Input sought on proposed work to enhance navigation.
The public is invited to a meeting Wednesday evening for the “Port of Long Beach Deep Draft Navigation Feasibility Study and Channel Deepening Project,” a joint effort between the Port of Long Beach and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to evaluate potential improvements to the harbor.
A comprehensive feasibility study and joint Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared for this project. The purpose of the meeting is to gather input from the public regarding which environmental issues should be examined as part of the joint document.
As part of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process, an initial Notice of Preparation was released in 2016 for this project. The Amended Notice of Preparation, released on Jan. 29, 2019, reflects a new project title and removes a previous plan to dredge the Port’s Southeast Basin.
The public is welcome to submit comments and suggestions about the project. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13, in the Board Room of the Port of Long Beach Interim Administrative Offices, 4801 Airport Plaza Drive in Long Beach.
The study will evaluate the economic benefits, costs, increased transportation efficiencies and improved navigational safety that would result from the dredging project, which aims to deepen channels, basins and waiting areas for ships calling at the Port of Long Beach.
In addition to any comments received at the meeting, written comments can be emailed to ceqa@polb.com or mailed to the Director of Environmental Planning, Port of Long Beach, 4801 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, CA 90815. Written comments must be received no later than 4 p.m., Friday, March 1, 2019.
The Amended Notice of Preparation for the proposed project is available online at www.polb.com/ceqa