Port of Oakland ship turning basins study ready for public review

The Port of Oakland, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) San Francisco District, has reached a key milestone in the planning process to widen the Oakland Harbor turning basins to accommodate larger container ships calling North America. 

The comment period starts today, Monday, December 20, 2021, for the USACE draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment (IFR/EA). Interested parties have until January 31, 2022, to submit comments. For information on how to view the report, including information on how to submit comments, please visit the San Francisco District’s website at: Oakland Harbor Turning Basins Widening (army.mil). A public engagement meeting is scheduled for January 12, 2022. To register for this meeting, please visit the following link: Meeting Registration - Zoom.  

"Here we are once again celebrating a major milestone with our partners at the Port of Oakland as we work with them to continue to catch waves of new ships for the East Bay area," said San Francisco District Commander Lt. Col. Kevin Arnett. "Back in 2009 we celebrated deepening Oakland Harbor to -50 feet to allow for bigger, longer ships, and to ensure the Port's benefit to the local economy. Today, with the release of the District's feasibility report we are taking a step forward to widening the turning basins and continuing that progress and growth. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Port as this project moves along, and we see it ultimately come to fruition."

“USACE is a strong leader and I am heartened by their genuine interest in the Port’s success,” stated Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes. “Modernizing our turning basins to routinely accommodate larger container vessels is critical to meet the needs of our customers and stakeholders.”  

The Port said this study demonstrates the Port’s value today and for the future as a regional and national economic driver. Widening the Oakland Harbor turning basins will be a major and necessary infrastructure improvement to ensure the Port can continue to benefit the local community, the region, and the national economy for generations to come, said the Port.