The Port of San Diego has secured a $5 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to push the second phase of its Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal (TAMT) redevelopment plan into motion. This federal funding, part of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grants program, is designated for the planning, design, and environmental permitting needed to enhance the terminal's infrastructure, including upgrades to rail tracks and the enhancement of load capacities on-site, according to the Port of San Diego.
Senator Alex Padilla's office announced the grant on Tuesday, highlighting the pivotal role such investments have in elevating the efficiency and reliability of key national transportation hubs. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's expansion, the RAISE program has been instrumental in backing projects that fall beyond the scope of traditional DOT grants. "Modernizing our ports is crucial for transporting the goods that power our economy and keep the nation’s supply chain moving," Senator Padilla stated, as per the Port of San Diego.
Additionally, Rep. Juan Vargas highlighted the project's environmental impact, remarking on its ability to reduce waterfront and community air pollution. "This federal grant will help fund the next phase of modernization plans, designs, and permits for the critical redevelopment work taking place at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal," Vargas said, as cited by the Port of San Diego. The grant is a step toward realizing the terminal’s modernization while creating jobs and potentially curbing environmental impacts.
In acknowledging the grant, Chairman Frank Urtasun, at the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners, mirrored the emphasis on the economic boost the grant would endow. Explaining how the efficiency boost will support the Port’s maritime tenants and cargo trade, Urtasun stated, per the Port of San Diego, "We are immensely grateful to Sen. Padilla and Rep. Vargas for their continued support and helping us deliver on our promises to support commerce, community and the environment," which was relayed in the announcement made on Wednesday.
Before launching into the upcoming planning and design efforts, the Port is expected to finalize its grant agreement with the U.S. Maritime Administration. The operational timeline and commencement of the improvements remain under wraps, as subsequent funding will determine these elements. The TAMT Modernization Project's earlier phase, completed in 2020, laid the groundwork through various enhancements and was federally funded by a $10 million grant.
