The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) San Francisco District, in collaboration with the Port of Oakland as the non-federal sponsor, have prepared a draft Integrated Feasibility Report and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (IFR/EA), as well as a draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed Oakland Harbor Turning Basins Widening Navigation Study in Oakland, Calif. The draft IFR/EA and FONSI are now available for public review and comment here.
“I’m really excited to celebrate another major milestone with our partners at the Port of Oakland,” said San Francisco District Commander Lt. Col. Kevin Arnett. “Back in 2009, we celebrated deepening Oakland Harbor to -50 to allow for bigger, longer ships, and to improve logistics and the Port’s benefit to the local economy. Today, with the release of the District’s feasibility report we are taking a step forward to widening the turning basins and continuing that progress and growth. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Port as this project moves along, and we ultimately see it come to fruition.”
The draft IFR/EA can be accessed by navigating to the website below and clicking on the “Oakland Harbor Turning Basins Widening Navigation Study - Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment [PDF]” title in the center of the page to open the report document. The associated appendices can be accessed by clicking on their respective titles listed immediately below the title of the main report.
Website: https://www.spn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Projects-and-Programs/Projects-A-Z/Oakland-Harbor-Turning-Basins-Widening/
Please note, the comment period will extend from Dec. 20, 2021 to Jan. 31, 2022. Written comments may be emailed to OaklandHarborTurningBasinsStudy@usace.army.mil or mailed to: Mr. Eric Jolliffe, 450 Golden Gate Ave, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102. The Port of Oakland and USACE will also hold a virtual public meeting in January. Notice of the meeting date and time will be sent in the near future.
“USACE is a strong leader, and I am heartened by their genuine interest in the Port’s success,” stated Port of Oakland Maritime Director Bryan Brandes. “Modernizing our turning basins to routinely accommodate larger container vessels is critical to meet the needs of our customers and stakeholders.”