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Modernization: Anchorage, Hueneme

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Anchorage Initiates Port Modernization Concept Design Process

The Port of Anchorage on August 18 began a week-long collaborative Concept Planning Charrette to identify and refine concept designs for the Anchorage Port Modernization Project (APMP).

The Concept Planning Charrette is a workshop that involves key stakeholders directly in identifying operational constraints, known risks, and user priorities. At the conclusion of the week-long event, the POA identified three preliminary design concepts from the viewpoint of technical experts and port users.

More than 50 individuals representing port users and vessel operators, technical and subject matter experts, and port and municipality of Anchorage (MOA) leadership participated in the Charrette.

"This is a critical step in preparing the port for the future," said Mayor Dan Sullivan. "Alaska needs a modern, reliable port to ensure dependable cargo service for south central Alaska and beyond for decades to come."

The port will develop the concepts to a preliminary 15 percent design level by November 2014, at which time a recommended concept design will be presented to the municipality.


Port of Anchorage with the Chugach Mountains
Photo/Port of Anchorage

Hueneme: Gov. Brown Signs Legislation Expanding Harbor District’s Borrowing Authority

California Governor Jerry Brown on August 25 signed legislation, AB 2395, that increases the Oxnard Harbor District's borrowing authority from $1 million to $10 million, thus providing the financial wherewithal to upgrade and modernize Port Hueneme. The bill maintains stringent accountability standards, including a required two-thirds vote by the district's board of harbor commissioners for any new borrowing.

"The bill will help the port remain competitive," said Port Commission President Mary Anne Rooney. "It also will enable us to continue upgrading and enhancing our infrastructure, as we did with our recently completed $13 million shore side power project. Ultimately, we'll be better able to accommodate our customer's growth plans."

Port Hueneme’s current water depth is 35 feet at mean lower low water (MLLW). The increased borrowing authority will help the port finance the harbor deepening and associated wharf improvements needed to accommodate larger vessels and more cargo.

According to Port CEO Kristin Decas, "At least 40 feet MLLW is necessary to accommodate the port's anticipated needs into the next several decades. The port has identified attainable growth goals, but meeting these goals will require the executions of several critical infrastructure projects. The projects will need innovative financing solutions with very limited port capital. AB 2395 puts another tool in our tool box."

The port district does not levy, collect, or spend local taxes, but instead relies on revenue generated from its operations and occasional state and federal funding.

 

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