Oakland budget puts sustainability first

The overall budget of US$558 million includes an anticipated US$16 million revenue increase in fiscal year 2024, approval of a US$163.7 million capital budget and allocation of US$245.2 million over five years to fund the port’s decarbonisation goals including funding for Seaport Air Quality 2020 and Beyond Plan projects.

“The critical investments approved by our port commissioners highlight the work we are all doing to ensure we are building a sustainable future for the next generation,” said Port of Oakland executive director Danny Wan.

“The board’s budget approval sets us on an infrastructure path that will have lasting economic and environmental benefits for Oakland and the region.”

Almost of containerised goods in northern California come through the Port of Oakland, with 94% of containers last year from or destined for overseas.

Most of the approved spending is earmarked for Oakland International Airport and the Oakland Seaport, including on green technology innovations and climate change resilience, such as the long-term programme to reduce pollutants from stormwater discharge, projects addressing sea level rise and efforts supporting the port’s decarbonisation efforts.

Projects included in the capital budget from the Seaport Air Quality 2020 and Beyond Plan include expanding electric charging facilities, launching the Green Power Microgrid project and partnering with Matson Terminal to convert all cargo handling equipment from diesel operations to zero emissions technologies.