The Port of Long Beach has been awarded $283 million from the federal government to support the development of ‘America’s Green Gateway,’ a project designed to enhance cargo capacity via rail, expedite deliveries nationwide, alleviate congestion, and mitigate local environmental impacts.

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This significant funding, provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Mega Grant Program, will be directed towards the port’s Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility. Valued at $1.567 billion, this facility is the cornerstone of the port’s on-dock rail improvement initiative. By facilitating the direct movement of containers to and from marine terminals by train, the on-dock rail system aims to reduce truck traffic, thus offering a cleaner and more efficient cargo transport solution. Once operational, the new facility will eliminate the need for cargo trucks, instead using smaller train segments that will be assembled into full-sized trains at the facility.

Given the critical role of the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility in the national supply chain, the Port of Long Beach continues to seek additional funding partners. In July 2023, the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) announced a $158 million grant from the Port and Freight Infrastructure Program to support the Pier B project, reinforcing its importance to the state’s cargo movement strategy. Previously, the federal government had allocated nearly $105 million to the project. To date, the port has secured over $640 million in grant funding for Pier B.

Construction of the new facility is set to begin next year. The project will expand the existing Pier B rail yard from 82 acres to 171 acres and will increase the port’s on-dock rail cargo capacity from 1.5 million TEU to 4.7 million TEU annually. Additionally, the yard will include a depot capable of fueling and servicing up to 30 locomotives simultaneously and a full-service staging area for assembling and disassembling trains up to 10,000 feet long. The overall project will be executed in phases, each designed to enhance cargo flow, with completion anticipated by 2032.

“Reliable and efficient transportation of goods is crucial for keeping our economy thriving while protecting the air we breathe,” stated U.S. Senator Alex Padilla. “The Port of Long Beach is a leading international hub for cargo transport, and this project will reduce truck emissions while promoting economic growth and efficiency. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are strengthening our supply chain, creating jobs, and improving air quality in near-port communities across the region.”

Mario Cordero, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, highlighted the transformative impact of the funding, saying, “This facility will enhance the efficiency of cargo movement to homes and businesses across America and from U.S. producers to international markets, delivering systemwide benefits to the supply chain. We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Senator Alex Padilla, and Congressman Robert Garcia for recognizing the significance of this project and making a substantial investment in sustainable, efficient cargo transport.”

Earlier this year, the Port of Long Beach took significant steps towards a sustainable future by upgrading its rail infrastructure and improving air quality, laying the groundwork for this landmark project.