Port of Hueneme Receives U.S Department of Commerce Grant

Grant Allows Public Works Projects in preparation for Port deepening to go forward

Port Hueneme, CA – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced on August 24, 2015 that the Port of Hueneme was one of this year’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant awardees. The award of nearly $1.5 million to the Oxnard Harbor District will be used to make improvements to the wharf and berth of this critical shipping hub. Projections for this project is that 127 jobs will be created and an additional 3,000 existing jobs will be retained.

“Our nation’s ports provide critical access for imports and exports and shape America’s role in the global economy,” said Secretary Pritzker. “The EDA investment announced today will enable [the Port] to increase its capacity, leading to jobs and potential opportunities to expand trade and exports.”

The Port’s Commission President Jess Herrera said, “This EDA grant recognizes the Port of Hueneme as a unique asset to our community and region. It will increase our capability to improve and maximize our port’s infrastructure which will expand our operational effectiveness, create well-paying jobs and keep us competitive in the global economy.”

EDA’s investment will provide funding needed to prepare for the deepening at the port as well as make improvements to the pier and wharf, which will provide access to larger capacity vessels. The Port of Hueneme is a hub for import and export for a variety of cargo including automobiles, tractors and heavy machinery, fresh fruit and produce, liquid fertilizer, and squid. According to the Department of Commerce, the project will assist the Port with the export initiatives set forth under the Obama Administration’s National Export and Look South Initiatives to remove barriers to trade and help companies do business with Mexico, respectively.
Port Executive Director & CEO Kristin Decas shared, “This funding sets the stage for us to modernize our dockside infrastructure, a capital project needed to advance our Harbor deepening project. We appreciate the support of the US Economic Development Administration team for providing us with funding to enable the Port to keep pace with the dynamic changes in the maritime industry.”