Port of Humboldt Bay - Development

The Port of Humboldt Bay (Port) in Eureka, California announced the final draft Business Plan for terminal development of its Redwood Marine Terminal, which is now available for review on the port’s website.

The draft report was written for the Port suggesting the best uses for this nearly 40 acres of industrial maritime state lands acquired by the Port through lease termination negotiations with Simpson Timber Company and Louisiana-Pacific in 2006.

In February 2008, the Board of Harbor Commissioners directed the transportation consulting firm TranSystems to proceed with a Business Plan that proposes two concepts for development: (1) an initial multipurpose berth and terminal infrastructure to handle cruise, cargo, short sea shipping and non-cargo uses and (2) future long term expansion which, depending on market conditions, could center on containers, an enlarged multipurpose terminal or other market sectors.

TranSystems recommends the Port work collaboratively with North Coast Railroad Authority in restoration of rail service from Redwood Terminal to Sonoma County, California where it links to the national rail system. The report emphasizes the importance of an alliance between these two public agencies to further economic development of Upstate region of California.

TranSystems also suggests various funding mechanisms including revenue bonds, grants and public private partnerships and TranSystems expects first phase to take up to 6 years to complete.

(www.portofhumboldtbay.org)