Thursday marked a new chapter for the Port of San Diego as Frank Urtasun took the helm as the 2024 Chairman at the Board of Port Commissioners' swearing-in ceremony. Urtasun, positioned to lead the port's agenda, remarked on the significant impact the Port has had on the local economy during the event at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier. "For more than 60 years, the Port of San Diego's contributions to our region remain relatively unknown and unappreciated by locals and visitors alike," Urtasun stated, underscoring the need to honor past commitments and look to future enhancements.
In his inauguration, Urtasun unveiled his 2024 theme, "Delivering on Our Promise," and emphasized the value the Port delivers to the community without leaning on taxpayer funds. He noted, "The Port of San Diego will continue to reinvest its earnings from tenant rents into our community for parks, environmental enhancements, and new venues for all Californians and visitors to enjoy the lands in and around San Diego Bay." Outlining the Port's economic footprint, Urtasun highlighted its $21 billion annual economic impact and the creation of approximately 114,000 jobs associated with the Port's activities, as The Port of San Diego reported.
The upcoming year promises an array of projects focusing on park improvements and expansions, such as doubling the size of Chula Vista’s Bayside Park and the construction of Sweetwater Park. Similarly, upgrades in Imperial Beach and the transformation of the Navy Pier next to the USS Midway Museum into Freedom Park are intended to enhance the attraction of San Diego Bay. Urtasun also shed light on critical plans like the Port Master Plan Update and the National City Balanced Plan, which aim to harmonize public and commercial use of the area's waterfront.
As the port sets sail on these undertakings, prosperity remains a guiding star, with initiatives like the Maritime Clean Air Strategy leading the charge. This includes bringing two all-electric cranes and the inaugural electric tug by Crowley into operation this year. Urtasun emphasized, "Plus, the Port and partners continue working on multiple fronts to make zero-emission trucking a reality to reduce diesel pollution." This approach targets economic growth and seeks to address environmental concerns and bolster bayfront infrastructure, as the Chairman indicated in his remarks.
Vice Chair Danielle Moore, sworn in by her brother Bryant Moore, and Secretary Ann Moore took their oaths alongside Urtasun from former Congressman Brian Bilbray and Port District Clerk Donna Morales, respectively.
