LA Harbor Commission Approves Update to Public Access Investment Plan

The Los Angeles Harbor Commission has approved an update to the Port of Los Angeles’ Public Access Investment Plan (PAIP), budgetary guidelines that direct the development and operations of the LA Waterfront. The newly adopted plan updates the original version created in 2015.

The updated PAIP allocates a minimum of 10% of the Port’s annual operating income to fund LA Waterfront public access projects and additionally continues funding the Port’s commitment to LA Waterfront operations, maintenance, and programming. Initially projected in 2015 to raise $200 million in revenue for LA Waterfront public access projects over 10 years, projected funds available under the PAIP have since increased to $262 million as a result of increased cargo volume. Since initiation of the plan in 2015, the Port has committed $253 million to projects that have been completed or are currently in the design or construction process.

“The Port of L.A. is the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere, which creates good jobs and economic activity, but also results in impacts on the local communities that surround the Port. That is why it is equitable and imperative to guarantee the surrounding neighborhoods a source of funds in the Port’s budget and a greater say in the projects that will create a thriving and livable environment along the waterfront,” said Councilmember Tim McOsker. “With this updated plan, we will now have a community-driven process and steady allocation of funding for projects to increase opportunity and access to the water for everyone in the One-Five, the region, and the City.”

“When our Port does well, our community benefits, and that’s a win-win for all,” said Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner Anthony Pirozzi, Jr. “I am incredibly proud of all the LA Waterfront projects that have been made possible under the Public Access Investment Plan. Today’s update solidifies the success and importance of the plan by making it part of the annual budgeting process and ensuring that waterfront development projects continue well into the future!"

“The Port’s Public Investment Plan has helped to further accelerate waterfront development in Wilmington, answering the call from our community,” said Harbor Commissioner Lucia Moreno-Linares. “Advancing projects along the Wilmington Waterfront helps to transform our waterside community and demonstrates the Port’s continued commitment to all of our neighbors.”
 
The updated plan approved by the board aligns PAIP project planning with the annual budget process which includes future planning under the Port’s five-year capital improvement program. Future project prioritization continues to be built on direct engagement with local San Pedro and Wilmington communities. The community participation component will be led by Councilmember McOsker’s office in coordination with the Port of Los Angeles.

Created to implement a long-term capital planning process for public access projects that was transparent to the community, predictable to private sector investors and sustainable financially while committing to long term maintenance, programming and activation of the LA Waterfront, the PAIP was the result of broad public outreach and community input. Following implementation, the PAIP served as the catalyst to propel the Port towards $1 billion in total investment in the LA Waterfront from 2005 to 2025.

Signature PAIP projects recently completed in San Pedro include the Town Square and Promenade Phase I, and the reconfigurations of both Harbor Blvd. and 7th Street, as well as Harbor Blvd. and Miner Street.

Other key PAIP projects in various stages of development include the West Harbor Promenade Phase II in San Pedro; Wilmington Waterfront Promenade; and Avalon Promenade and Gateway Project Phases I and II in Wilmington.

Implementation of the PAIP and its guidelines will continue to be subject to review by the Board of Harbor Commissioners through the annual budget process. 

< Korea Shipping Gazette >