Pelosi Obtains $20 Million to Promote Tourism and Economic Development at Port of San Francisco
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi announced today that the Water Resources Development Act, which passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 406 to14, includes projects that will benefit economic development and tourism in San Francisco. The Water Resources Development Act authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct projects related to navigation, flood control, and environmental restoration.
"The Port of San Francisco has made great progress in developing a thriving waterfront that supports a full range of activities including fishing, ferries and cruise ships, cargo, baseball, and premier tourist attractions," House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said. "The San Francisco projects included in this bill will allow us to build on these successes and continue to promote economic development and tourism on the waterfront by improving the Port's infrastructure."
The bill authorizes the Army Corps to invest $20 million in three projects: repairing Pier 35, which currently serves as San Francisco's main cruise terminal; removing Pier 36 in conjunction with the construction of the new James R. Herman cruise ship terminal; and repairing Pier 80, the Port's principal cargo terminal.
"This is a significant investment toward the Port's main maritime facilities, the Pier 80 cargo terminal and the Pier 35 cruise terminal, and a significant contribution to a beautiful new shoreline park known as the Brannan Street Wharf," Port Executive Director Monique Moyer said. "We thank Congresswoman Pelosi for her commitment to revitalizing facilities that once played a pivotal role for the U.S. Government."
"The City, the Port, and San Franciscans are greatly indebted to Congresswoman Pelosi for her hard work and perseverance in securing these funds that will benefit the public for years to come," said Mayor Gavin Newsom.
The bill also authorizes a number of regional projects supported by Pelosi that will restore wetlands and improve the San Francisco Bay, including projects in San Pablo Bay, Bel Marin Keys, and Napa River salt marsh. In addition, the bill requires the Army Corps of Engineers to study the feasibility of shifting responsibility for dredging the Larkspur Ferry Channel from the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway Transportation District to the Army Corps of Engineers.
http://www.house.gov/pelosi/press/releases/July05/tourism.html