December 19, 2023 - WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Monday, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that the Port of Long Beach was awarded more than $283 million to complete the final phase of the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility by expanding the North and South Rail Yards. The grant — awarded through the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — will significantly increase overall rail network capacity at the Port, prevent supply chain backlogs, improve air quality, and bolster California and national economic growth.

The Pier B Project will double the existing rail yard and support the movement of three times as much on-dock rail cargo while creating an estimated 13,000 jobs nationally, including 1,135 jobs in local disadvantaged communities. This expansion is vital for providing the scale of investment needed to meet California and the Biden Administration’s ambitious climate goals. Critically, increased rail capacity is estimated to reduce over 5 million truck trips and 100 million truck vehicle miles per year, cutting harmful emissions.

“Reliable and efficient transportation of goods is crucial for keeping our economy thriving while protecting the air we breathe,” said Senator Padilla. “The Port of Long Beach is a leading international hub for transporting major cargo, and this project will slash truck emissions while supporting economic growth and efficiency. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are strengthening our supply chain while creating jobs and improving air quality in near-port communities across the region.”

“The impact this funding will have on developing this project of national importance is staggering,” said Port of Long Beach Chief Executive Officer Mario Cordero. “This is a facility that will help move cargo more efficiently to homes and businesses across America, and from U.S. producers to overseas markets, resulting in systemwide benefits to the supply chain. We’d like to thank the U.S. Department of Transportation and Sen. Alex Padilla for recognizing the significance of this project and making a significant investment in sustainable, efficient cargo movement.”

California’s San Pedro ports move 40 percent of the nation’s containerized imports, and the Port of Long Beach moves more than $200 billion in cargo annually, connecting with 30 major rail hubs across 85 congressional districts.

Specifically, the North Rail Yard Expansion includes the construction of two new mainline tracks, five new 10,000-foot receiving and departure tracks, and 26 new storage tracks. The South Rail Yard Expansion will add seven new 3,000-foot storage tracks, lengthen and rehabilitate seven existing 3,000-foot storage tracks, construct two new tracks in the Pico Avenue Rail Corridor, reconfigure tracks near Pier D Street, and construct a new compressed air facility.

Senator Padilla believes investing in clean, efficient ports like the Port of Long Beach is vital for economic growth and environmental protection. Earlier this year, Senator Padilla urged the Environmental Protection Agency to authorize the California Air Resources Board’s request for its Ocean-going Vessels At-Berth Regulation to reduce pollution originating from shipping and ports. He has consistently pushed for and applauded funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the Port of Long Beach, including a $52.6 million grant last month, a $30.1 million grant last year, and a $52.3 million grant in 2021.
Source: Senator Alex Padilla