SAN PEDRO, Calif. (KNX) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom and White House-appointed port envoy John D. Porcari toured the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach terminals on Wednesday to observe issues that may be exacerbating a nationwide supply chain backlog.
“We’re going to have to step up our game,” Newsom said at a news conference at the port on Wednesday. He referred to what is likely to be a highly competitive bidding process between states for the $17 billion earmarked for ports in President Joe Biden’s infrastructure bill. “We’re going to be front and center. We’re going to be bold.”
Cash infusions for California’s ports will include some state funding, the governor said.
“We’re going to substantially increase our one-time investments in infrastructure” in the forthcoming budget round, he said.
Newsom also announced the state had expanded capacity at 15 Department of Motor Vehicle sites to allow more truck drivers to get licensed and enter the workforce. The expansion increases the number of commercial driving tests offered monthly from 500 to 970.
“Momentum is starting to shift,” Port of L.A. Executive Director Gene Seroka said following the governor’s remarks. He pointed to a 30% drop in older cargo at the docks since Oct. 28.
Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero added the building of additional on-dock rail facilities would significantly alleviate congestion at the ports.
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