Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) announced today that the Fiscal Year 2005 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which passed the House on a vote of 370-16, includes $35 million for the Port of Oakland’s 50-foot dredging project.

The dredging project underpins an $800 million expansion project funded by the Port, which will improve the infrastructure at Oakland by expanding capacity and increasing efficiencies throughout the cargo distribution chain.

“I am very excited that the Port of Oakland’s dredging project will receive such a significant amount of funding,” said Lee. “This money will enable our port to continue to be a vital economic engine for the 9th Congressional District and for the region and state. The 50 foot dredging project will translate into more commerce for the Port, more revenue for our community, and more jobs for our people.”

Projections for the Port’s expansion project indicate that that the project will create 8,800 jobs, increase business revenue by $1.9 billion, and expand local tax revenues by $55.5 million.  100% of the dredged materials will be reused for wetlands restoration, habitat enhancement, and upland use within the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

                                                                                                            ###