Golden State Today

One of California's flagship projects aimed at creating a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient supply chain commenced today at the Port of Long Beach. The new facility is projected to significantly expand the port’s freight rail capacity while reducing over 5 million tons of pollution annually.

Members of the Newsom Administration joined U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Representative Robert Garcia, and other dignitaries to mark the groundbreaking of the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility. This project is a key part of upgrading California’s supply chain infrastructure.

Supported by nearly $250 million in state investments, the $1.5 billion project, known as ‘America’s Green Gateway,’ will enable trains up to 10,000 feet long to be loaded and unloaded directly on the dock at the Port of Long Beach. This development aims to transition cargo more efficiently for a cleaner distribution network.

Governor Gavin Newsom stated, “This project exemplifies our work to create jobs, cut pollution, eliminate bottlenecks and build a more dynamic supply chain – faster. California is proud to work with the Biden-Harris Administration on this and other projects that enhance our state’s supply chain while flexing our power in global trade.”

The upgrade coincides with record-breaking performance at the Port of Long Beach last month. Operators moved 41% more goods compared to June last year. Similarly, the Port of Los Angeles reported strong figures for June and is 14% ahead year-to-date compared to last year.

“Today, work starts on a rail network that triples cargo volume, keeps costs down, and reduces pollution – and it’s all because of the historic funding made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Through projects like America’s Green Gateway and hundreds of other supply chain improvements across the country, we’re making our supply chains more robust and resilient against future disruptions.”

Key statistics include:

- $228 million in state investments for Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility.

- Over $300 million in federal grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

- An estimated 146 million truck miles traveled will be eliminated annually upon completion.

- The facility will handle 4.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually.

- The new facility spans 171 acres.

- The San Pedro Bay ports complex handles 30% of America’s containerized freight.

Last July, Governor Newsom announced awards for the $1.2 billion Port and Freight Infrastructure Program with Pier B On-Dock Rail receiving the largest grant. These investments stemmed from an executive order issued by Governor Newsom in October 2021 calling for long-term budget proposals supporting port operations and goods movement.

Since then, an additional $336 million in federal grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been allocated to support this initiative.

For further information on ongoing projects building California's future visit Build.ca.gov.