California’s northern ports enjoyed an up tick in business in 2010 with a surge in exports. But to keep the export drive alive, funding for infrastructure is critical. By George Lauriat, AJOT In 2010 the northern ports of California benefited from a surge in business as total cargo was up 5.5% while loaded containers grew by over 6%. The first half of 2011 also continued to show improvement, but business slowed in the third quarter. Many of California’s northern ports have seen a rise in niche exports. In 2010, the Port of Stockton saw large increases in bulk cargo, primarily agricultural goods, while the Port of West Sacramento experienced increased demand for foodstuffs, particularly paddy rice, shipped through the Port’s rice and grain elevators. There were other positive changes in the export mix. For the first time since 2002, The Port of Eureka experienced a major comeback in logging with the increased demand from China. The Port of Richmond also contributed to the mix. In 2009 an agreement was finalized between the Port of Richmond and Honda Motor Co. to boost autos shipped through the facility. As a result of subsequent facility improvements, in 2010 the Port handled 479,769 tons of imported cars, an increase of 55.9% over 2009 with more on the way. Another initiative taking hold in Northern California dubbed the Marine Highway is a container barge service between the ports of Oakland, Stockton and West Sacramento. Recently, the Sacramento-Yolo Port Commission awarded a contract to Liebherr Crane to build a mobile crane that will be used for handling container cargo. The container barge service is planned to launch in 2012. The service, which will reduce truck traffic on the congested I-80 corridor between West Sacramento and Oakland, is being funded with a $30 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grant. Overall, the increases in agricultural exports, along with other bulk commodities (moving in both directions) such as cement and minerals, have buoyed the prospects for Northern California’s ports. However, there are many infrastructure issues facing the region and the ability to secure funding during this period of political uncertainty is critical to remaining competitive. Port of West SacramentoThe Port of West Sacramento is a good example of the critical need to secure funding for port projects. After delays the Port was able to secure funding that will enable the channel-deepening project to re-launch later this year. In the push to secure funding from Congress, the Port had the support of cargo interests including A&A Concrete Supply, Agrium, Farmer’s Rice Cooperative and West Coast Recycling. Besides the $12.5 million in Federal Government funding for the $80-million channel-deepening project, $10 million will be provided by the Port itself and another matching $10 million in California State funding from the voter-approved 2006 transportation bond measure. Deepening the channel to 35 feet will significantly improve direct access to the Port by break bulk ships and consequently reduce truck traffic and accompanying pollution. In June, West Sacramento announced that it had received a $2.5 million federal grant to develop new infrastructure in support of a proposed metals recycling facility at the Port. Grant funds will be used to construct a new Port entrance and intersection on Industrial Blvd., west of Harbor Blvd., in addition to road access for the new facility. This was followed by an August approval by the Port Commission of the West Coast Recycling lease, which will enable the company to move forward with construction on the Port’s North Terminal Area. The project, including the grant-funded infrastructure, is scheduled for completion in early 2013. The new facility is expected to generate 300,000 metric tons of scrap-metal exports annually. Port of San FranciscoThe Port of San Francisco is also keen on improving its port infrastructure. This aim got a boost in September when Secretary of Transportation