Calif. Ports’ Plans Moving Forward Slowly

Plans to move freight more easily and producing less pollution from California’s ports remains a challenge involving a host of local, state and federal agencies, the Pasadena Star News reported.

The state’s plans involve everything from security upgrades and new technology to prescreen high-risk containers at departure points to mitigating air quality and community impacts by using cleaner fuels for trucks, ships and trains, the paper said.

But the program is progressing slowly, as the state has only gained just a fraction of the necessary funding so far, the Star News said.

State officials say part of the plan will be paid for through a $20 billion transportation bond approved by voters last year, which included about $2 billion for goods movement and another $1 billion for air quality improvements, the paper reported.

The biggest challenge will be finding additional sources for goods movement improvements, through state government funds, public-private partnerships and local and federal agencies, the Star News said.