History in the making at Port of Hueneme

Port of Hueneme, California, made history a couple of days ago celebrating the completion of its deepening program, a project in the works for over almost two decades. The Port now has a harbor depth of 40 feet.

Joining Port officials was Colonel Julie A. Balten, Commander and District Engineer of the Los Angeles District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Port utilized a $12.3 million TIGER Grant (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) from the U.S. Department of Transportation to deepen the harbor as well as other projects including upgrading the Port’s facilities, pavement improvements, and the modernization of cargo handling facilities.

The deepening project totaled $10.4M – $3.6M from the Port of Hueneme/Oxnard Harbor District and $6.8M combined from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Naval Base Ventura County.

A project feasibility study began back in 1999 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers oversaw the process including engineering, permitting, and construction.

Naval Base Ventura County was also instrumental in helping the project move forward. Among the many partners involved in this project are KPFF, Anchor QEA, Anser Advisory, Manson Construction, and Curtin Maritime.

“The Corps is excited about the completion of this important deepening project in collaboration with the Port of Hueneme/Oxnard Harbor District and the U.S. Navy,” said Col. Julie Balten, Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District. “This project will enable the port to accommodate larger vessels, which support not only our nation’s economy, but also our national defense.”

The project promises to build upon the Port’s mission to create economic and social good by sustainably increasing Port capacity, creating 560 good paying jobs, and replenishing local beaches.

Many accolades were given to Congresswoman Julia Brownley for her commitment to secure approximately $20M in federal funds for dredging projects.

She also helped to secure funding for transportation projects at the Port which is a critical point of entry to local and global economy.

At the ceremony, Oxnard Harbor District Board Vice President, Mary Anne Rooney, said: “We appreciate Congresswoman Julia Brownley for being our champion to make this funding possible for the Port. Thank you to all of the political leadership and the community that continue to support the Oxnard Harbor District in our efforts to modernize Ventura County’s only commercial port.”

“The Port of Hueneme is instrumental to the economic vitality of Ventura County,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “Over the years, we have seen the expansion and growth of the Port of Hueneme as it became a critical point of entry to the local and global economy.”

“The completion of this deepening is the culmination of the port’s extensive efforts to carry out critical upgrades and improvements to its facilities and intermobility. I’m proud of the robust partnership between the federal government and the Port that have seen this project to its fruition. I look forward to continuing to work with the Port of Hueneme to build a strong economic future for the Port – and Ventura County as a whole.”

The project yields significant environmental benefit.

The Port’s berth areas increased from 35 to 40 feet in depth. This increased capacity will allow vessels to discharge more cargo in one call, making their visits to the Port more productive, and therefore more environmentally friendly.

The efficient movement of cargo also reduced congestion.

Not only that, approximately 390,000 cubic yards of sand have been reused for beach renourishment.

Continuing modernization of the Port will provide long-term infrastructure enhancements that will further facilitate the efficient movement of cargo in the most environmentally responsible manner possible.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the deepening will have positive socio-economic impacts such as the creation of 560 local jobs and $28 million in new business revenue.

Local businesses will benefit as well as it is projected that $5.8 million will be generated through local purchases and $4.6 million in state and local taxes.

These positive economic impacts will help create revenue for social and economic investments in South Oxnard and Port Hueneme.

The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast.

The Port is governed by five locally elected Port Commissioners. The Port moves $10.85 billion in goods each year and consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. ports for automobiles and fresh produce.

Port operations support the community by bringing $1.7 billion in economic activity and creating 15,834 trade-related jobs.

Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $119 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services.

In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit.