The Port of San Diego is on the cusp of fully realizing a future vision for its waterfront following the Board of Port Commissioners' unanimous nod to the final environmental impact report and the comprehensive Port Master Plan Update (PMPU) on February 28. The blueprint, which now heads to the California Coastal Commission, targets late 2024 for full certification, as revealed by Port of San Diego early this week.
Chairman Frank Urtasun expressed his enthusiasm for the plan's progression, asserting, "We are excited to enter the final phase of this important plan that reflects our collective vision – of our communities, stakeholders, and the Port – for the future of San Diego Bay and the surrounding waterfront." The extensive public consultation that spanned over a decade aimed to fulfill the commitments made to voters when the Port was established in 1962. Urtasun's statement, obtained by the Port of San Diego, articulates the PMPU's intent to balance development with environmental stewardship, enhance public access to parks, and boost economic growth through high-quality jobs.
The visionary plan that determines the usage of both water and land across San Diego Bay and its surrounding areas emphasizes a trio of recurring themes: enhancing natural resources and promoting resilient coastal communities, improving mobility with a spotlight on multimodal transportation, and sustaining the Port's role as a regional economic powerhouse.
Commissioner Ann Moore, at the forefront of the PMPU campaign, highlighted the extensive public engagement that has shaped the plan. "Your commitment and involvement has ensured a very thorough and comprehensive effort," Moore said in an announcement by the Port of San Diego. The plan's progression represents a watershed moment for California's environmental policy, integrating decades of growth and prioritizing Californian needs.
As the project nears its final stages, the PMPU will continue to wend its way through the California Coastal Commission, seeking approval to usher in a new era for the Port and its diverse stakeholders. For updates and information on the PMPU process, the public is encouraged to visit the Port's dedicated webpage.
