U.S. Transportation Leaders Unveil ‘America’s Green Gateway’ at Port of Long Beach Groundbreaking

Long Beach, CA – In a momentous ceremony heralding a new era in U.S. transportation infrastructure, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and a host of national officials convened on Thursday to commence the groundbreaking of “America’s Green Gateway” at the Port of Long Beach. This $1.567 billion initiative marks a pivotal investment aimed at revolutionizing cargo movement and environmental sustainability along America’s western shores.

The Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, set to expand the Port’s rail yard from 82 acres to 171 acres, promises to significantly enhance efficiency and capacity in handling cargo. Scheduled for completion by 2032, the project aims to triple the Port’s on-dock rail capacity to 4.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units annually. This strategic expansion will streamline operations by enabling direct movement of cargo between marine terminals and trains, thereby reducing emissions and alleviating strain on local road networks.

Secretary Buttigieg highlighted the project’s transformative impact, emphasizing its role in bolstering supply chain resilience and cutting-edge sustainability efforts. “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,” Buttigieg remarked, underscoring the federal government’s commitment to modernizing critical infrastructure.

Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero echoed these sentiments, detailing the facility’s technical specifications including 130,000 feet of new tracks and 36 additional support tracks, aimed at increasing the daily train departures from the Port to 17. Cordero hailed the project as pivotal for national supply chain efficiency and environmental stewardship, as it aligns with the Port’s goals of achieving zero-emissions operations.

The project’s funding, totaling $643 million from federal, state, and local sources, underscores its significance as a bipartisan effort to enhance economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability. Federal funding alone contributed $404.1 million, with additional investments from California and Los Angeles County illustrating widespread support for the initiative.

Leaders from across political and administrative spectrums expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential to create jobs, reduce air pollution, and fortify California’s global trade prowess. U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia praised the initiative as a testament to collaborative efforts in advancing economic and environmental priorities.

Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the broader implications of the project, affirming California’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in global trade. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. highlighted the local benefits, including job creation and economic growth, positioning Long Beach as a pivotal player in the nation’s logistics and environmental landscape.

The groundbreaking ceremony culminated in a symbolic gesture of sustainability as Secretary Buttigieg and other dignitaries arrived aboard a zero-emissions passenger rail car. The event showcased the Port of Long Beach’s proactive stance in adopting green technologies and sustainable practices.

As construction commences on “America’s Green Gateway,” anticipation grows for its potential to redefine U.S. port infrastructure, setting a benchmark for efficiency, sustainability, and economic resilience in global trade.