Please join leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers San Francisco District and Port Oakland (non-federal sponsor) as they commemorate the signing of the inaugural Design Agreement for the Oakland Harbor Turning Basins Widening Project. The mid-morning ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 27, will take place aboard the historic USS Potomac and includes a waterside tour of the two turning basins.

The $642 million project involves widening both the Inner and Outer Harbor turning basins at the Oakland Seaport to better allow ships to turn around. Vessels routinely calling Oakland today are larger and longer and have transit restrictions resulting in inefficiencies which lead to delays, including plugging to shore power, and negative economic impacts. Construction is anticipated to begin as early as 2028.

Following the ceremony and a group photo (9-9:45 a.m.), media are invited to conduct individual interviews with members of the event and then embark on a 1-hour tour of both turning basins aboard the USS Potomac. The event concludes at 11 a.m.

Event details:

WHAT: USACE/Port of Oakland Design Agreement Signing Ceremony

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 27, 9-9:45 a.m. (ceremony), 10-11 a.m. (waterside tour)

WHERE: USS Potomac, 540 Water St., Oakland

WHO:

  • Stephanie Dominguez Walton, Port of Oakland President and Event MC
  • Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, Representative of California District 12
  • Barbara Lee, Mayor of the City of Oakland
  • Maj. Gen. Jason Kelly, USACE Deputy Commanding General for Civil & Emergency Operations
  • Lt. Col. Virginia Brickner, USACE San Francisco District Commander
  • Kristi McKenney, Port of Oakland Executive Director