A key congressional committee has approved the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), moving forward a US$255 million investment to deepen the main shipping channel at the Port of Long Beach.
The project will be funded jointly by the federal government and the Port of Long Beach. It aims to accommodate larger vessels, improve cargo flows and reduce emissions from ships waiting to berth.
Congressman Robert Garcia, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, welcomed the committee’s approval.
“This is a huge win for Long Beach, for our workers and for people across the country who depend on goods moving through our port every single day,” Garcia said. “This investment will lower costs, prevent cargo delays and reduce the pollution caused by ships idling outside our harbor.”
The legislation must still pass Congress before becoming law.
Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba said the project will strengthen one of the country’s busiest trade gateways.
“At the Port of Long Beach, we are building the Port of the Future,” Hacegaba said. “This legislation will help us advance our Deep Draft Navigation Project, improve navigational safety, maximize cargo efficiency and strengthen the flow of goods across the United States.”
The port said the channel deepening project forms part of its long-term infrastructure strategy. The project is expected to improve vessel access, support supply chain resilience and enhance the port’s competitiveness.
