Los Angeles Board Of Harbor Commissioners News

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved a $1.17 billion fiscal year (FY) 2016/17 annual budget for the Port of Los Angeles. As in years past, budget allocations closely align and support the four key objectives of the Port’s 2012-2017 Strategic Plan, which include: development of a world-class infrastructure that promotes growth; implementation of an efficient, secure and environmentally sustainable supply chain; improved financial performance of Port assets; and strengthened relationships with Port stakeholders. “Our Port Strategic Plan has been a great tool to keep us consistently focused and committed to our infrastructure and operational priorities,” said Ambassador Vilma Martinez, Harbor Commission President.

The Port of Los Angeles will begin construction this summer on a two-year project to improve the marine container terminal operated by Yusen Terminals LLC. The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has awarded Manson Construction Co. a $44.6 million contract to upgrade berths, and backlands at Berths 212-224. “This project consists of strategic improvements to make Yusen a more agile terminal and strengthen our competitive edge,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “Yusen is pleased to work with the Port of Los Angeles to improve our wharf and terminal…

Trade Connect, the Port of Los Angeles’ award-winning export education outreach program, formally debuted its new website, LATradeConnect.org, at today’s Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners Meeting. “Trade Connect plays a vital role in strengthening our nation’s economy by helping U.S. companies grow their business in the global marketplace,” said Ambassador Vilma Martinez, President of the Los Angeles Harbor Commission. Established in 2007, Trade Connect is a one-stop resource for small and midsize U.S. businesses looking to learn the nuts and bolts of exporting their made-in-America goods and services. The program offers a wide variety of beginning…

Taking aim at the bottleneck that has slowed cargo movement through the port recently, the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners on Monday approved measures to relieve congestion including a petition of the Federal Maritime Commission for permission to work in concert with the neighboring Port of Los Angeles. The Harbor Commission authorized the release of a Request for Proposals for the creation of a “peak chassis pool,” which would augment the supply of the chassis – the truck trailer frames used to haul cargo containers – when they are most needed.

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners informs it has approved a US$938.8-million fiscal year (FY) annual budget for the Port of Los Angeles. Nearly $350 million (37 percent) of the approved budget will go toward capital expenditures to help the Port maintain its global competitive position. “In the face of fierce and increasing competition from around the world, we must do whatever we can to maintain our position as the nation’s premier trade gateway,” said Ambassador Vilma Martinez, Harbor Commission President. The Port anticipates spending approximately $1.1 billion on its capital improvement program over the next five years. In the FY-2014-15 budget, $281 million will be dedicated to specific capital improvement program (CIP) projects.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the launch of a global executive search to fill the the top post at the Port of Los Angeles. Under Mayor Garcetti’s direction, the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners established an ad hoc search committee to oversee the process, which is comprised of Harbor Commission President Vilma Martinez and Commission Vice President David Arian. “The Port of Los Angeles is a critical economic driver of our region and plays a central role in L.A.’s reputation as a global city and leading Pacific Rim trade gateway,” said Mayor Garcetti. “The Port operates in a fiercely competitive global economy and international trade arena,” said Board President Martinez.

The newly assembled Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners held its first meeting, with four of the five-member panel newly appointed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. Three of the commissioners are Harbor Area residents. The Harbor Commission is expected to elect its president and vice-president at the next Board meeting on December 12 th. “Spurring investment and creating job opportunities at our nation’s No. 1 Port is critical to Los Angeles and the entire country,” said Mayor Garcetti.

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved a new incentive program to reward shipping lines that bring new container business to the Port of Los Angeles in 2014. The Ocean Common Carrier Incentive Program adds to the advantages of moving cargo through America’s No. 1 container port at a time when the fundamentals of shipping are changing and international carriers are rethinking traditional business practices. Under the incentive program, an ocean carrier will…

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved a new Port Master Plan that is the first comprehensive update of the Port’s development policies and procedures since its original plan took effect more than three decades ago. The new plan incorporates previous amendments and anticipated future changes to the use of property within the coastal zone managed by the port. The document promotes orderly development consistent with the port’s long-term goals of making the best use of its land and water resources…

Port of Los Angeles officials announced the development of its Energy Management Action Plan (E-MAP) initiative designed to improve energy efficiency at America’s busiest container port. Included in the plan will be the nation’s largest port energy assessment. The E-MAP, unveiled during an energy workshop with representatives of the Port, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), marine terminal operators and others, will serve as the Port’s blueprint to identify…

The Port of Los Angeles has released a Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Southern California International Gateway (SCIG) Project. The proposed project, which involves the construction and operation of a railyard on outer Port property, is located in an industrial area between Sepulveda Boulevard to the north, Pacific Coast Highway to the south, SR-47 to the east and the Dominquez Channel to the west. The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners will consider certifying the Final EIR at its meeting on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 8:30 am. The original meeting location in the Final EIR notice has now been changed to the Cruise Center Terminal Annex Building, located at 390 N. Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro, just north of the USS IOWA.

Projects Advance Modernization of the TraPac Container Terminal. The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved construction contracts totaling more than $127 million for two major projects that advance modernization of the marine container terminal operated by longtime tenant, TraPac, Inc. With work due to begin in January, the projects are key elements of the Port of Los Angeles’ overall capital improvement program. The Port is investing more than $1.2 billion over five years to remain competitive in the global economy. “Redevelopment of the TraPac terminal reflects the Port’s larger commitment to retaining its global position as America’s premier seaport,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. Approved Nov.

Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approve $127-million construction contracts for two major projects. Both projects are part of a $365 million expansion of the marine container terminal operated by longtime tenant TraPac, Inc. due to be completed in 2016. With work due to begin in January, the projects are key elements of the Port of Los Angeles’ overall capital improvement program. The Port is investing more than $1.2 billion over five years to remain competitive in the global economy.

The Port of Los Angeles has become the first seaport in North America and the Pacific Rim to adopt an international clean air program that rewards ocean carriers for bringing their newest and cleanest vessels to the Port. The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners having formally approved an Environmental Ship Index (ESI) program to take effect July 1. The ESI is a web-based tool developed by the World Ports Climate Initiative (WPCI), a project of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH). The ESI program, already underway at several major European ports, offers immediate and significant clean air benefits by rewarding vessel operators for voluntary engine…

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners, acting on the request of Mayor Jim Hahn to maintain and enhance the quality of life of residents of the harbor area, adopted a historic environmental policy regarding Port of Los Angeles operations and future mitigation measures. “The Board is proud to establish this new environmental policy which sets as a goal that there will be no net increase in air emissions or traffic impact from future Port operations,” said Commission President Nicholas G. Tonsich. Port staff was directed to conduct seven separate environmental studies. Conduct baseline air emission inventory of the Port area focused on diesel particulates…

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has awarded a five-year contract to San Pedro Bait Company, Inc. to supply live bait in the Port of Los Angeles. The new bait barge operator will be located in the Port’s Outer Harbor, near Cabrillo Marina, and will supply live bait to the active sport fishing industry and to recreational fishers. The contract award comes after the two prior long-term live bait suppliers at the Port of Los Angeles were found to have operating conditions that presented environmental hazards. The previous barges were removed from service at the Port in November 2006 and February 2007. A Request for Proposals was issued on January 24, 2007, and San Pedro Bait Company was selected by demonstrating the greatest commitment to environmental stewardship.

Nicholas Tonsich and Elwood Lui were reelected as president and vice president, respectively, of the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners during the annual election of officers at an August 6 board meeting. Tonsich, a practicing attorney, is a partner at Glaser, Tonsich & Brajevich, a San Pedro-based law firm with a focus on litigation matters pertaining to environmental issues, tort defense, maritime law, employment, discrimination, real estate transactions and development, zoning enforcement and contractual disputes. He is a resident of San Pedro. Lui is a partner at Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue, a Los Angeles law firm specializing in commercial litigation. He concentrates on both federal and state court appeals.