Board of Harbor Commissioners Approve First-Ever Port of Los Angeles Rail Policy

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Board of Harbor Commissioners Approve First-Ever Port of Los Angeles Rail Policy

Policy Benefits Include Improved Air Quality and Traffic Congestion

SAN PEDRO, CALIFORNIA, Aug. 13 -/E-Wire/Business Wire/-- The Board of Harbor Commissioners yesterday approved a first-ever Port of Los Angeles Rail Policy that focuses on increased rail usage and sets forth a map for the development of additional rail facilities to accommodate growing cargo volumes, while alleviating truck traffic and contributing to Mayor Jim Hahn's "no net increase" policy.

"I said when I took office that I wanted there to be no net increase in air emissions at the Port, and this policy will help continue to meet that pledge," Mayor Hahn said. "The infrastructure for rail already exists, and replacing trucks with trains will not only bring cleaner air to the Harbor, but clearer streets as well."

The Port currently has five on- and near-dock rail facilities including the Terminal Island Container Transfer Facility completed in 1997 and serving Evergreen and, NYK terminals and the Pier 400 Intermodal Container Facility that can accommodate 222 double-stacked rail cars. In addition, the Port is a partner in the Alameda Corridor, the main 20-mile rail thoroughfare connecting the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex and downtown rail yards.

"Trade at the Port is expected to quadruple by 2025 and our current infrastructure simply cannot handle this type of growth. Our roads and highways are already congested and the communities' air quality continues to suffer," said Councilwoman Janice Hahn. "We must find a way to get these containers off our roads. Increased rail use is the best solution to efficiently moving goods throughout the region while also improving the air quality and relieving the traffic congestion in San Pedro and Wilmington."

Seeking community and business input on the policy, the Port of Los Angeles circulated a draft of the Rail Policy during a 30-day public comment period. Comments were received from nine entities, mostly rail companies, all of them positive a supportive of the draft Rail Policy.

"I agree 1000% with more rail use," said Commissioner Tom Warren. "With the Rail Policy to guide Port staff, there is no question that rail will continue to play a large role in moving cargo at the Port of Los Angeles."

Theresa Adams Lopez, [REDACTED-PHONE]

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