Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests Nearly $1.5 Million to Increase Import and Export Capacity at Critical Southern California Port
Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Monday, August 24, 2015
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a nearly $1.5 million grant to the Oxnard Harbor District in Port Hueneme, California to make improvements to the wharf and berth of this critical shipping hub. According to grantee estimates, this project will create 127 jobs and save more than 3,000 existing jobs.
“Our nation’s ports provide critical access for imports and exports and shape America’s role in the global economy,” said Secretary Pritzker. “The EDA investment announced today will enable Oxnard Harbor to increase its capacity, leading to jobs and potential opportunities to expand trade and exports.”
EDA’s investment will provide funding to deepen the berth at the port as well as make improvements to the pier and wharf, which will provide access to larger capacity vessels. The Port of Hueneme is a hub for import and export for a variety of cargo including automobiles, tractors and heavy machinery, fresh fruit and produce, liquid fertilizer, and squid. According to the grantee, the project will assist the Port with the export initiatives set forth under the Obama Administration’s National Export and Look South Initiatives to remove barriers to trade and help companies do business with Mexico respectively.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The Economic Development Administration marks 50 years of public service, leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.