The Port of Oakland applauded the release of Governor Schwarzenegger's Goods Movement Action Plan (GMAP), which recognizes the importance of goods movement infrastructure as a vital component of California's economy.

'This is a very significant step in addressing California's transportation infrastructure needs,' said Jerry Bridges, Executive Director of the Port of Oakland. 'We commend the Governor and his staff for their leadership in producing a comprehensive proposal and we applaud their overall goal to invest our state's resources in our major goods movement infrastructure.'

The GMAP will help guide the decisions of the California Transportation Commission and the California Air Resources Board as they begin disbursing the funding from the recently passed infrastructure bond measure, Proposition 1B.

'Funding from the bonds will enable the Port to finance critical projects that will enable us to move goods quickly, reliably and safely,' said Anthony A. Batarse, President of the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners.

The report endorses several Port priority projects as essential to the California goods movement system. These include: the 7th Street Grade Separation and Outer Harbor Intermodal Terminal at the Oakland seaport, the Martinez Subdivision Rail Improvements, as well as enhancements to important trade corridors such as the Tehachapi Trade Corridor and the Central Corridor over the Sierra Nevada Range.

These projects will allow the Port of Oakland to facilitate the growth of international trade through northern California with minimal impacts on the region's environment, resulting in reduced traffic congestion and cleaner air. Enabling these projects to move forward will also ensure the Port's continued role as a major center of economic activity and jobs for northern California.

'We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor, his staff, the California Transportation Commission, the California Air Resources Board, and our local and regional community partners to ensure that the State's investment in its infrastructure is realized,' said incoming Port Executive Director Omar Benjamin.