Friday, June 27, 2008
FEATURED STORIES:
2008 - Association of Pacific Ports Annual Conference - Aug 10-13 hosted at the
Port of Stockton
March 1, 2008
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| MAKE PLANS FOR STOCKTON | |
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Plans are already underway for the APP 2008 Annual
 Conference
on August 10-13, 2008 in Stockton, California
USA. Some highlights you won't want to miss:
Please save August 10-13, 2008 on your calendar
for the 2008 APP Annual Conference in Stockton! |
|
2008 - Port of
STOCKTON's 75th Anniversary
February 1, 2008
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The
Port of Stockton will be celebrating the 75th Anniversary with a 5 week event, "Diamond
of the Delta", at the
Haggin Museum in
Stockton, California.
Seventy five years ago, on February 2, 1933, when the Port of Stockton hosted its first ocean-going ship, the S.S. Daisy Gray, the Port was seen as an opportunity to bring maritime commerce and quality jobs to the citizens of Stockton and the greater San Joaquin Valley.
In 1929, Congress approved Federal funding for deepening the San Joaquin River to create the Stockton Deepwater Ship Channel
Through the years, the Port has experienced the
effects of economic depression, three wars, economic growth, fiscal challenges
and the unprecedented expansion opportunities with the acquisition of the 1,450
acre West Complex. In 2008, the Port will be highlighting its rich history and
the role it now plays as a vital part of the economic foundation of the City of
Stockton and the Central Valley — as the remarkable rebirth of “California’s
Heartland Port” continues.
You are invited to the
Haggin Museum between
Feb. 3 through March 9 to see “Diamond on the Delta” an exhibit tracing the
75-year history of the Port of Stockton — California’s first inland seaport.
Also on exhibit will be “Deepwater Steel” a series
of beautiful maritime photographs of the
STOCKTON's "State of the City 2008" - Hosted at the Port of Stockton
December 20, 2007
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10th Annual State of the City
February 28, 2008
at the Port of Stockton
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Luncheon at Noon - Catered by Outback Steakhouse
Tickets are $25 per person
The Port of Stockton has the privilege once again to host Stockton's State of the City event. Co-sponsored by The City of Stockton, Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Stockton, this high profile event showcases our city's economic, educational and cultural development, as well as plans for upcoming projects. This year, as was previous years, this event will be sold out with over 1000 attendees. SAVE THE DATE and get your reservations in Now.
The Continuing Renaissance...
Because you care about our community, we know you'll want to share in the excitement surrounding our 10th Annual State of the City! Co-sponsored by The City of Stockton and the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, this high profile event showcases our city's economic, educational and cultural development, as well as plans for upcoming projects. Join us in celebrating yet another year of progress in our city.
Get Inspired...
You'll find this the perfect opportunity to learn of the many local and state programs available to assist our small businesses, as well as to appreciate how strategically located we are to serve not only local markets, but also national and international ones.
Catch the Spirit...
Walk through our prominent exhibit area, listen to community leaders outline future developments in Stockton and share lunch with other Stocktonians interested in the issues affecting the future quality of life in Stockton. Exhibits are open from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a luncheon break at noon.
Guest Speakers:
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Stockton Mayor Edward J. Chavez |
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce President Richard Aschieris |
Click here for more information and reservations:
Expanding Cold Storage Facilities
October 12, 2007
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The Port of Stockton will be the site of the largest combined cold storage facilities on the West Coast when Inland Cold Storage builds their 220,000 square-foot warehouse near the existing CALAMCO Cold Storage domes.
The $30 million construction is one more element in the remarkable development of the Port since it acquired Rough and Ready Island.
The new Inland Cold Storage building is being built in partnership with M&L Commodities of Modesto. Eventually it will be expanded to over 400,000 – square-feet. In combination with CALAMCO's monolithic dome style cold storage facility, the Port will reach the status of having the largest cold storage facilities on the Pacific Coast.
Today, ICS is focused on being the best regional operator of temperature controlled and dry warehouse space in the Southern California market place.
"Our customers in southern California keep inventory down there and ship it to the north every day," said Bill Hendricksen, Inland Founder and President. "So it made sense for them and us to create a facility up here. In Stockton we will start out with about 50 people. The plant should be ready to open sometime around September 2008 and we are looking forward to being an active part of the community."
Cunningham Report - Port of
Stockton
August 20, 2007
[Top of Page]
Reprinted with permission from The Cunningham Report
Dear Reader:
I was up in Stockton this Friday to attend the ribbon cutting for the new Port of Stockton Expressway. You may think that’s a long way to drive for a ribbon cutting, but I like the Port of Stockton and I like visiting there when I get a chance.
Stockton is a lot smaller than the mega ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are but it has something those larger ports don’t. Folks in Los Angeles and Long Beach tend to regard the two ports as giant nuisances. The folks in Stockton see their port as an asset.
In Los Angeles and Long Beach, people focus on the problems. In Stockton, people focus on the possibilities. It’s not that people in Stockton are smarter or better than those farther south, but they don’t take for granted the jobs and prosperity that a port brings to a community.
Unlike Los Angeles and Long Beach, nobody has to use the Port of Stockton. In fact, inbound ships have to sail past San Francisco, Oakland, Redwood City, Richmond, Benicia, Pittsburgh, and Sacramento to dock in Stockton, right off Interstate 5, some 80 miles from the ocean.
The Stockton ceremony had all the regular stuff – a white tent so everybody could sit in the shade, local VIPs giving speeches, and the awarding of plaques to contractors. But, my favorite part was the "parade of trucks." One-by-one trucks were announced as they appeared at the top of the new bridge and drove slowly past the crowd. Vintage trucks from the 40s and 50s, gleaming new trucks belonging to port companies, cement-mixers, flat-beds, dirt trucks, and cattle trucks. And as each one drove past the white tent people would applaud – as though they understood that each of those trucks represented jobs.
What a crazy concept.
Until Next Time,
George Cunningham
New Port of Stockton Expressway open for
business
August 17, 2007
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The
Port of Stockton Expressway, a heavy-duty two-lane road, bracketed by a new
signal-light intersection on Highway 4 and a new bridge, designed to accommodate
four lanes, connecting to the port's rapidly developing West Complex (formerly
Rough & Ready Island Naval Base) will ceremoniously open today for business.
This two year project will help promote new business growth for the West Complex. The collaboration of the State, County, City and Port offices has brought a new synergy to the area. All agencies involved realize the future potential of the Port expansion.
"It's not only a whole new entry to the Port, but as the West Complex matures, it will be the main entrance to the whole Port," Richard Aschieris commented Friday. "Over time", he added, "We expect truck traffic to drop on Washington Street possibly as much as 50 percent."
That should provide at least two benefits:
"We can move our cargo more efficiently and there's less truck traffic in Boggs Tract," Aschieris said, referring to residential neighborhood long subjected to the noise, vibration and exhaust from heavy truck traffic.
As for renaming the road, Aschieris said "Port of Stockton" would give drivers turning off Highway 4 a clear signal where they were going and "Expressway" signifies the greater speed and efficiency the new route is expected to provide.
Shown in picture to cut the ribbon for the road opening ceremony is the (left to right) Port Director Richard Aschieris, Port Commissioner Chairman Butch Tocolli, Port Commissioner Steven Herum, Port Commissioner Joseph Johnson, Port Commissioner Ronald Ferrario. Also present were Port Commissioner Vice Chairman Ronald Coale, Port Commissioner Bob Kavanaugh.
1 millionth
metric ton of bagged California rice exported from the Port of Stockton in the new millennium
Feb. 28, 2007
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The Port of Stockton, California,
announced today that the 1 millionth metric ton of bagged California rice
exported in the new millennium was loaded aboard the M/V Blue Ocean this past
Saturday, February 24, 2007. Destined for delivery to Japan, the bagged rice
for this shipment was provided by Connell Rice and Sugar, Inc. and was loaded
aboard the vessel by SSA Marine. The total tonnage to be exported aboard this
particular ship is 13,000 metric tons.
“We are especially pleased to have reached this milestone as quickly as we did” stated Port Director Richard Aschieris. “With the acquisition of the former Navy properties on Rough & Ready Island in 2000….complete with over a mile of commercial docks and more than 5 million square feet of covered storage…we knew that we would be able to service this very important segment of California agriculture. We look forward to the day when we will announce that the 2 millionth ton bagged export rice has been shipped through our facility” Aschieris added gleefully.
In addition to Connell Rice & Sugar, bagged rice exporters that have chosen to utilize the Port of Stockton include American Commodities Corporation, CHS, Inc., Archer Daniels Midland and Farmers Rice Cooperative.
The Port of Stockton is a deep water port located 75 nautical miles due east of San Francisco Bay at the confluence of the San Joaquin River and the Stockton Ship Channel. With over 2,000 cumulative acres of industrial properties supported by over 15,000 lineal feet of dock and more than 7 million square feet of covered storage serviced by the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroads and situated within 1.5 miles of Interstate 5, the Port of Stockton shall continue to pursue its role as a niche port specializing in servicing break-bulk, dry and liquid bulks and other non-containerized cargos.
For information regarding the Port of Stockton, please visit our website at www.portofstockton.com.
USG Corporation invests $220 million in manufacturing plant at the Port of
Stockton
Feb. 26, 2007
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USG Corporation (NYSE: USG) today announced plans to build a new SHEETROCK® brand gypsum panel manufacturing plant at the Port of Stockton, California. The new low-cost wallboard plant will utilize state-of-the-art technology to position the company competitively to meet long-term West Coast demand for wallboard. The $220 million plant is expected to commence operations in 2010.
William C. Foote, Chairman and CEO of USG Corporation quoted, “Over the long term, we are committed to replacing our older, higher-cost wallboard manufacturing capacity with new, low-cost capacity, thus solidifying our position as the industry’s low-cost producer. When it is completed in 2010, the new Stockton plant will replace two high-cost manufacturing lines in California that were closed previously. Most importantly, the new Stockton plant will support the growth of USG’s customers in one of the largest markets in the U.S., where wallboard demand over the last decade has been growing considerably faster than the rest of the country.”
Located in northern California, approximately 90 miles from major markets such as Oakland and San Francisco, the new plant is designed to operate the world’s largest wallboard manufacturing line, with the capacity to produce approximately one billion square feet of SHEETROCK brand wallboard annually. The facility will be built on a 90-acre site at the Port of Stockton, and employ about 150 people. Construction of the new plant is scheduled to begin after necessary permits have been issued, with completion expected in the first half of 2010.
“USG’s decision to build a new plant in our state shows that manufacturing companies can thrive in California, and at the same time, demonstrate environmental stewardship,” said California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. “We welcome companies such as USG that offer high quality manufacturing jobs and environmentally sensitive manufacturing processes.”
Since Monday's announcement, Michael Locke, chief executive of the San Joaquin Partnership, the countywide economic development agency, said the San Joaquin Partnership has received two inquiries from companies expressing an interest in locating in the county. "We didn't anticipate that to happen. These companies are saying, 'If USG is there, why aren't we there? Maybe we ought to take a second look,' " Locke said. The USG plant is San Joaquin County's largest private manufacturing investment ever, Locke said Monday.
The new wallboard facility will be an outstanding example of environmental responsibility. It will use 100 percent recycled paper for the surfaces of the finished wallboard products and recycle 100 percent of its production waste. The new plant will feature a closed-loop liquid effluent system, which translates to zero discharge into nearby waterways. The location of the facility is an infill reuse of a decommissioned site. This optimal location will generate family wage jobs without expanding new development into natural areas or undisturbed open space. The centralized location of the project facilitates efficient distribution of products to California’s growing communities, which allows for shorter average truck trips and lower associated emissions.
The Port of Stockton is the lead for the environmental review process and will complete the required environmental review, including a Supplemental Environmental Impact Report pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A programmatic Environmental Impact Report has already been prepared and certified for the Port of Stockton West Complex Development Plan. The focus of the environmental review for the USG facility will be to evaluate any new significant impacts that may occur from the USG project and include feasible mitigation measures. Throughout this process, the Port of Stockton and USG are committed to meaningful public participation and long-term environmental stewardship.
“The Port of Stockton site offers logistical and other advantages that are superior to the other locations we evaluated,” explained Metcalf. “The Port’s close proximity to major West Coast markets will enable us to provide excellent service to our West Coast customers. In addition, we were very impressed with the thoughtful vision the Port’s management has embraced to fully develop the Port property.”
USG Corporation is a Fortune 500 manufacturer and distributor of high-performance building systems through its United States Gypsum Company, USG Interiors, Inc. and L&W Supply Corporation subsidiaries. Headquartered in Chicago, USG serves the residential and non-residential construction markets, repair and remodel construction markets, and industrial processes. USG’s wall, ceiling, flooring and roofing products provide leading-edge building solutions for customers, while L&W Supply center locations efficiently stock and deliver building materials nationwide. For additional information, visit the USG Web site at www.usg.com.
LOWE’S TO BUILD FLATBED
DISTRIBUTION CENTER
Jan. 10, 2007
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Port of Stockton, Calif. Facility Will Serve More than 40 Lowe’s Stores
MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW), the world’s second largest home improvement retailer, today announced its plans for a new flatbed distribution center in the Port of Stockton, Calif. The company will retrofit two existing 120,000 square foot buildings located on Luce Avenue in the Port of Stockton. Retrofitting a facility such as this represents an average investment of $16 million including land, construction and equipment. The facility will supply products to more than 40 Lowe’s retail stores in northern California, Nevada and Oregon.
“We are pleased to see the investment of Lowe’s in the Port of Stockton,” said San Joaquin Partnership President & CEO Michael E. Locke. “This investment represents a further diversification of business strengthening the local economy. This recognition of Stockton and the Port as a positive place for investment is welcomed.”
The approximate 240,000-square-foot facility is situated on a 23-acre site. Construction has begun and the facility is expected to begin shipping operations in the first half of 2007. The facility will initially employ 35 people.
“Our flatbed distribution centers play a vital role in the state-of-the-art distribution network that keeps Lowe’s stores supplied with the products our customers need,” said Mike Mabry, Lowe’s executive vice president of logistics and distribution. “Stockton’s outstanding workforce, support for this project at both the local and state level, and the geographic proximity to Lowe’s growing store base on the West Coast all made this location a win-win solution in helping us continue to meet our goals to better serve our customers.”
The flatbed center will receive rail and truck shipments of large, building materials from suppliers. Products will then be quickly loaded as customized orders on flatbed trucks destined for Lowe’s stores along the West Coast. Lowe’s currently operates 13 regional flatbed centers throughout the United States.
Support for the project was provided by the San Joaquin Partnership, the Port of Stockton and the California Business Investment Services.
“We are very pleased to have such a prestigious tenant locate a major distribution facility at the Port of Stockton. Lowe’s recognizes the Port of Stockton’s strategic location in northern California, with rail and superior highway connections making their operations more efficient,” says Port Director Richard Aschieris.
ABOUT LOWE’S
With fiscal year 2005 sales of $43.2 billion, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 50 company that serves approximately 12 million customers a week at more than 1,350 home improvement stores in 49 states. Based in Mooresville, N.C., the 60-year-old company is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.
Maritime Activity Increases
During 2005
April 11, 2006
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The Port of Stockton experienced marked growth in maritime related activities during calendar year 2005. This growth was sparked by shipments being delivered to new tenants located at the port as well as increases in tonnage volumes supporting an existing client base.
When
compared to CY 2004, tonnage throughput increased by a remarkable 51.6 percent.
Total vessel traffic was up as well with ship traffic up 13.7 percent and barge
traffic up 83.3 percent. Last year, a total of 167 ships and 146 barges
navigated their way to and from Stockton. Both tonnage and vessel traffic
volumes during 2005 exceeded those experienced during the previous 28 years.
Leading tonnages included imported bulk cement, up 50 percent when compared to 2004 with a total volume of 1,790,731 metric tons. Shipments of steel products also increased with a total of 67,212 metric tons imported, up from zero tons only two years before. Bagged rice exported to Japan and New Guinea contributed 194,486 metric tons and bulk sulfur exports finished the year at 261,886 metric tons. Also, liquid bulk imports such as fertilizers and molasses added an additional 760,960 metric tons.
This upward trend in tonnage throughput is expected to continue into 2006 as well. Imports of cement and steel product should continue to be strong performers with current tonnage numbers through the first quarter of 2006 showing increases over the record setting pace of 2005.
Steel,
Steel and more Steel
August 11, 2005
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Steel imports have been a steady source of business for the Port of Stockton during the 2005 calendar year. Rebar, hot banded and cold rolled steel coils, wire rod and steel pipe have been the primary commodities. With nearly 30,000 tons handled through August 2005, the forecast is for a sustained and steady escalation in local demand for these products. Ferguson Enterprises Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Wolseley Group, is currently setting up operations at the Port of Stockton West Complex Facility to distribute and process both domestic and imported steel pipe used for plumbing. Once Ferguson is in full operational swing, they will be operating on a 28 acre leased site supported by a 120,000 square foot warehouse and process facility. It is anticipated that steel pipe imports supporting this operation will exceed 60,000 metric tons per year within the next 24 month period.
BARITE
- New Commodity to West Coast and the Port of
Stockton
August 11, 2005
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The Port of Stockton received a shipment of bulk barite ore during the month of May 2005. 37,490 metric tons from China were discharged direct to dock utilizing 4 newly acquired orange peel grabs designed to penetrate the 200+ lb per cubic foot material. The product was then loaded to customer trucks for delivery to the Industrial Minerals facility located near Sacramento. From there, the barite will be ground into a finer consistency, bagged and shipped to various oil drilling operations in the western United States where it is used as drilling mud. This is the first ever delivery of imported barite ore directly received at any U.S. West Coast port.
STOCKTON's "State of the City 2005" - Hosted Again at the Port of Stockton -
February 23, 2005
January 31, 2005
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The Port of Stockton had the privilege once again to host Stockton's State of the City event. Co-sponsored by The City of Stockton, Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Stockton, this high profile event showcases our city's economic, educational and cultural development, as well as plans for upcoming projects. This year, as was last year, this event was sold out again with over 1000 attendees.
Honored Speakers:
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City of Stockton Mayor Ed Chavez |
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Port
of Stockton Commissioner |
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Chamber President Daniel J. Schroeder
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California's Police and Fire Games held in Stockton-Some Events at the Port
June 9, 2004
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The Stockton Police Athletic Commission and the people of Stockton California, welcome the 2004 California Police & Fire Games!
Events are being held at a multitude of different facilities including the Port of Stockton's West Complex or Rough and Ready Island. Cycling and Paintball venues held at Rough and Ready Island are on the schedule for this week. Check the Official Web Site for date/time/location of all events.
Click
here for Official Web Site
[Top of Page]
Port of Stockton Officially receives Last Parcels of Rough & Ready Island Naval
Base
Oct. 28, 2003
[Top of Page]
Navy lowers flag one last time
Ceremony marks military's exit from Rough & Ready
By Reed Fujii
Record Staff Writer
Published Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Rough and Ready Island is poised to
become an economic engine for
Stockton, San Joaquin County and beyond, now that the final 500 acres have been
transferred from the U.S. Navy to Port of Stockton control, officials said
Tuesday.
Ceremonies held on grounds of the former naval supply base and communications station to formalize the land transfer focused on the opportunities the change would bring.
"We estimate that we are going to be creating more than 1,000 family-wage jobs for our area," said Steven Herum, chairman of the Port Commission.
Wayne Arny, deputy assistant Navy secretary, noted that the island had a long history before it became a Navy supply base during World War II. The ceremonies Tuesday were just one more event in that history.
"While it is the end of the Navy phase, this is the beginning of a greater phase for the city of Stockton," Arny said.
California state Sen. Michael Machado, D-Linden, who port officials credit with helping obtain Gov. Gray Davis' approval of the land transfer, recalled the days when the island was indeed a "vibrant center," for military activity.
With the transfer of 1,433 acres of former naval property, the port of Stockton remains the largest inland port west of the Mississippi and becomes the third largest port in California, Machado said, "The opportunities are endless."
While the Navy began handing control of Rough and Ready Island to the port in 2000, it retained control of the final 500 acres largely because of its responsibility for environmental cleanup of the land.
Port officials sought to take over the cleanup work, concerned that the Navy might take 10 to 15 years or longer to complete the task, all the time delaying any commercial use of the property.
The mostly undeveloped area is a keystone to the port's plans to convert the former base into a thriving transportation, industrial and commercial hub for the regional economy.
The Navy retains ultimate responsibility for the cleanup, and it will give port nearly $23.5 million to cover estimated cleanup costs and administrative expenses, as well as payment for an insurance policy to cover cost overruns.
Used with
permission from The Record
Copyright © 2003 The Record, All
Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Department of Homeland Security Awards Grant to the
Port of Stockton
Aug. 1, 2003
[Top of Page]
Almost half of the $28.5 million in new federal grant money for California port security upgrades will go to the state's three biggest shipping centers: Long Beach, San Francisco and Oakland.
But the inland Port of Stockton will get $336,204.00 of the $28.5 million grant proposal. Port Director Richard Aschieris said he was happy with what the Port got though, because otherwise, the port would have to divert dollars from other areas that create family wage jobs. In comparison with security at other Ports, Mr. Aschieris said, security already "stands very tall" at the Stockton port, which has its own police force, including canine patrols.
Aschieris said the port grant money likely would go for perimeter sensors, security camera equipment and fencing.
Port's Financial Staff receives Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting
April 29, 2003
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"CONGRATULATIONS Port of Stockton! Your Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the Year Ended June 30, 2002 has qualified for an Award for Outstanding Financial Reporting, from the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO).
Your efforts to enhance the quality of financial reporting by special districts in California are recognized and appreciated by your peers. On behalf of the Professional and Technical Standards Committee, I encourage you to continue to participate in this program and commend you for your dedication to financial excellence."
Quoted from the congratulatory letter of February 4, 2003, from the CSFMO Professional and Technical Standards Committee to LeRoy F. Hieber, Deputy Port Director of Finance & Administration.
2003 - Port of Stockton's
70th Anniversary
Feb. 2, 2003
[Top of Page]
The Port of Stockton is celebrating it's 70th year as a deepwater Seaport. Years ago, Stockton and San Joaquin County City Fathers and Civic Leaders determined that a Deepwater Seaport connecting the California Central Valley’s rich agricultural region with the rest of the world was vital to the continued growth of Stockton and the business interests of the Greater San Joaquin Valley.
In 1929, Congress
approved Federal funding for deepening the San Joaquin River to create the
Stockton Deepwater Ship Channel
On February 2, 1933, the "S/S DAISY GREY", arrived at the Port of Stockton as the first ship to call on the new port.
The Port of Stockton will be celebrating this milestone with events throughout the year. The Port's Web Site will have more information on events and programs.
EVENTS:
Stockton's "State of The City" - Hosted by the Port of Stockton
Railcar Traffic Increases 70%
Oct. 30, 2002
[Top of Page]
The businesses at the Port of Stockton are keeping the Stockton Public Beltline Railroad very busy these days. In 2001, the Port handled roughly over 10,000 railcars. Thus far in 2002, the Port's short line rail operator, the Central California Traction Company, has handled nearly 17,000 railcars and projections for the annual total will approach 19,000.
The increase is due in part to the new businesses on the West Complex (formerly Rough & ready Island) with over 3,000 railcars being serviced at that location. However, the movement of goods throughout the entire Port has increased significantly. Cement, fertilizer products and steel are among the commodities primarily responsible for the increase in Port railcar throughput.
Interior Secretary Gale Norton Visited Port of Stockton
Oct. 30, 2002
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While in the California Central Valley, U.S.
Interior Secretary Gale Norton was using the opportunity for two agendas. One,
to stump for state Sen. Dick Monteith, R-Modesto, and also she has oversight of
California water issues.
Norton said she was particularly interested to learn from
Port Director Richard Aschieris that the port pays "family wage" jobs to several
thousand workers, and more jobs are possible if the port can expand operations.
" The administration is very supportive of actions that will create jobs," she
said.
Aschieris said port officials were thrilled to have an
opportunity to show off the port to someone as high-ranking as Norton. "She
obviously knows and has the occasion to work with (Transportation) Secretary
(Norman) Mineta. Any time you have the opportunity to raise the general
awareness of our leadership in Washington, no matter what side of the aisle
they're on, in a tremendous opportunity."
Port
officially acquires Rough & Ready land
July 30, 2002
[Top of Page]
Stockton port officials accepted ownership of
another third of Rough & Ready Island from the federal government, although
the property has effectively been in their control since July 2000. That's when
the port was granted 496 acres of the former base and leased the remainder from
the U. S. Navy, while the military conduct work necessary to show the properties
are environmentally sound.
The Port Commissioners meeting on Monday, July 15, 2002,
voted to accept 412.7 acres from the U. S. Maritime Administration, leaving
another 400 acres yet to be transferred.
The property in the latest transfer is in several pieces
around the island. Most of it -248 acres- is open land, but it does include six
warehouses, two wharf-side transit sheds and a rail yard.
Diversity
is Key to Port's Success
July 1, 2002
[Top of Page]
The Port of Stockton's ability to handle diverse
types of cargo in an efficient and cost effective way has been one of the keys
to the Port's success. Even so, the Port has become
more and more involved with heavy lift and project cargoes during the past 18
months. During this time, 24 vessels called delivering over 30,000 metric tons
of cargo, primarily components for electrical power generation facilities that
were being built as a result of the California energy crisis of a year ago.
Cargo continues to arrive as of this date however, there has been a general slow
down of construction projects as the California power supplies have become more
stable. The Port of Stockton, in addition to being in close proximity of the
construction projects, also provided suitable facilities, primarily a deep water
berth supported by a 5 acres staging area and on dock rail allowing for direct
discharge of project components from vessel stow to specialized railcars. This
flexibility proved quite effective and offered shippers cost savings when
compared to other port facilities in the area.
Firm to Design Road
Project
May 8, 2002
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Stockton Port officials hired an engineering firm to design a
new access road and bridge onto the Port's West Complex (formerly Rough &
Ready Island). This will alleviate some of the traffic on the Port's existing
access to the West Complex.
A consultant was also named to oversee that design and construction.
URS Corp., a planning, design and construction company, was selected as
the program manager for the Daggett Road and McCloy Street improvement project.
Designing that project will be the engineering and planning firm of
DMJM+Harris.
Overall, the project will involve improvements to Daggett Road from
Hwy 4 north to where a new bridge must be built to reach the West Complex. On
the West Complex, McCloy Street will be a major traffic arterial.
Old Rail Class
Yard gets a Face Lift
Jan. 16, 2002
[Top of Page]
The eight track rail class yard on the West Complex of the Port of Stockton
is 
receiving a well needed
renovation. The old rail track is being upgraded to standard 112 pound capacity.
Also, pavement and access to the rail lines are being engineered to allow cargo
transfer from rail car to truck. The work is being performed for Carry Transit,
in cooperation with the Port of Stockton.
Completion of this project is scheduled for the spring of 2002.
Port Passes Security
Audit by the Coast Guard
March 19, 2002
[Top of Page]
The U.S. Coast Guard is tightening harbor security by inspecting Ports. The Port of Stockton was visited by the inspection team earlier this year, and passed with an A+ rating. The Port was complemented by the U.S. Coast Guard as being one of the most secure facilities on the West Coast. With a 24/7 sworn police force, twelve surveillance cameras and tenant security programs among the list of the Port’s standard approach to security, the Port of Stockton has always been proactive in the security field keeping it as a top priority for our tenants and community.
Business and
Opportunities Expand at the Port's West Complex
Jan. 16, 2002
[Top of Page]
In the year 2001, the Port of Stockton leased
property to 17 new tenants located on the West Complex, formerly known as Rough
and Ready Island, creating 192 new local jobs. There are a wide variety if
reasons businesses have
chosen to
lease property at the Port of Stockton. The primary attraction is the Port's
ability to accommodate a wide range of space including existing warehouses, rail
served industrial land, waterfront facilities, and office space. As an example,
Weyerhauser Company, one of the largest of the new tenants, occupies
approximately 15 acres of industrial storage area, 1,400 square feet in office
space, and has access to a deep-water berth with a rail spur.
The Port of Stockton continues
to be aggressive in the marketplace with the ability to meet a variety of real
estate industry needs. If you or your company would like to explore the
advantages of locating at the Port of Stockton, contact Jeff Kaspar, Property
Management Department, for more specific information.
of Stockton Completes the First 1400 Feet of Dredging at the West Complex
Jan. 8, 2002
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The
Port of Stockton (Port) Departments of Facilities Maintenance and Construction
and Environmental and Regulatory Affairs worked collaboratively together to
complete the first 1400 feet of dredging operations at
docks K, J and I, located at the Port's newly acquired West Complex facility.
Ross Island Sand and Gravel was selected
by the Port as the dredging contractor to complete this project.
Throughout this dredging project over 50 tons of metallic debris in form
of cables, and other metallic objects were encountered.
While there were some earlier slow downs experienced by the contractor
due to entangling of the debris with the cutter head and suction device used by
the contractor to remove the dredge material, the Port was able to direct the
contractor to work around the clock to compete the project on time before the
holidays. During this dredging
project, the Port removed nearly 40,000 cubic yards of dredge material from the
docks k, J, and I areas.
In
addition, the Port provided an integrated water quality monitoring, including
daily monitoring for dissolved oxygen (DO) in accordance with its Waste
Discharge Report
(WDR) permit issued to the Port by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality
Control Board (CVRWQCB). Although,
the Port did not encounter any DO depletion below the CVRWQCB water quality
objectives, the Port pumped nearly 12,000 cubic feet of pure (99.9 % pure)
oxygen into the water column, as an extension of its corporate commitment toward
environmental stewardship. The Port's Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs said,
" the Port met and exceeded its environmental monitoring requirements for
this project as the Port intends to continue to be an environmental management
leader in the greater San Joaquin County and
the State of California by balancing its economic initiatives with ecologic
considerations". The
maintenance dredging of these docks is expected to jump start the maritime
activities at the West Complex by creating additional jobs in the Central
California region.
Maritime
Activities Increase at Port's West Complex Facilities
Jan. 8, 2002
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Ships loading California bagged rice for export to Japan
– Pictured is the first multiple berthing of ships at the Port of Stockton’s
West Complex Facility.
The 2001/2002 rice season is well underway at the Port of Stockton. The Port is heading toward a new annual record. Total tonnage booked through January of 2002 is 81,400 metric tons. This number exceeds by more than 50,000 metric tons through put compared to the same period last year. The bookings for rice exports are scheduled to continue through February 2002.
The overall impact of rice exports through the Port of Stockton on the local economy is significant. Nearly 16,000 man-hours of additional work are provided. This is the equivalent of 2000 family wage daily jobs. Altogether, wages and benefits exceed $850,000 thus far. Additionally, the continued success enables the Port to improve its facilities for its customers. Local businesses benefit from the Port’s growth by providing direct and ancillary support services from the new business related to the rice exports, thereby boosting the local economy.
The Port of Stockton is pleased with the increase in activity of rice exports and in future years, the Port anticipates growth in export rice cargoes as the Port forges ahead with dredging projects and continued facility upgrades.