Port of Los Angeles breaks ground on public access project

The Port of Los Angeles has begun work on the $70.8 million Wilmington Waterfront Promenade as part of its wider collaboration with regional government to improve public access and port operations.

The Port said it spends approximately $20 million per year maintaining, operating and programming the LA Waterfront. Additionally, it has invested more than $600 million in public access projects since 2005, with an additional $400 million committed until 2025.

Officials from the the Port and City have worked closely together on public health and safety issues, such as the environment. The Port has invested heavily in electrification and so-called ‘cold ironing’.

During the COVID-19 pandemic it stopped using the City’s electricity network to not divert power from hospitals.

Gene Seroka, the Port’s Executive Director, said of the waterfront project: “As a Wilmington resident for more than 50 years, I am grateful to all who have played a role in keeping this project moving forward.

“The Port’s ongoing commitment to financially support public-serving waterfront development is made possible through our Public Access Investment Plan.”

City Councilman Joe Buscaino also commented: “We have worked diligently over the years to create more open spaces and recreational areas for the residents of Wilmington.

“It is most important that we are constantly creating buffers between the Wilmington community and heavy industry. This project will deliver a new waterfront that will be a game changer for Wilmington and the L.A. Waterfront.”

Designed by engineering firm Sasaki Associates, Inc., the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade Project involves both the realignment of Water Street parallel to the existing railroad tracks, and street improvements like new utilities, grading, paving, striping, lighting and landscaping.

The project will feature a promenade, public pier and dock, public restroom with green roof, playground and parking lots.

The Wilmington Waterfront Development Program is funded through the Port of Los Angeles Public Access Investment Plan, put into place in 2015. The Plan allocates 10% of Port operating income annually to public access infrastructure projects.

Additionally, the Port spends approximately $20 million per year maintaining, operating and programming the LA Waterfront. The Port has invested more than $600 million in public access projects since 2005, with an additional $400 million committed through 2025.

Construction on the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade is expected to be completed by 2023. The construction contract was awarded to Sully-Miller Contracting Co. of Brea, California.

The Port of Los Angeles remains open with all terminals operational during the COVID-19 pandemic. North America’s leading seaport by container volume and cargo value, the Port of Los Angeles facilitated $276 billion in trade during 2019. San Pedro Bay port complex operations and commerce facilitate one in nine jobs across the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura.

https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-los-angeles-breaks-ground-on-public-access-project/