Two WCCC Initiatives Selected as Part of the New Marine Highway Program
On August 11, 2010, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood identified 18 marine corridors, 8 projects, and 6 initiatives for further development as part of “America’s Marine Highway Program.” These corridors identify routes where water transportation presents an opportunity to offer relief to landside corridors that suffer from traffic congestion, excessive air emissions or other environmental concerns and other challenges. Of the 18 identified corridors, five (see map) are within the West Coast Corridor and all are defined (see definitions) by sponsor, supporters and attributes:
M-5: Interstate 5
M-580: Interstate 580 (CA)
M-84: Interstate 54 (OR)
M-5: ALCAN Highway and Richardson Highway (AK)
M-A1:Route A1 (AK)
Although the WCCC didn't receive any projects, it was the selected M-5 Corridor Sponsor of two initiatives. While not developed to the point of proposing specific services and routes required of project designation, they offer promise of potential in the future. They will receive support from the Department of Transportation in the form of assistance in further developing the concepts through the conduct of research, market analysis and other efforts to identify the opportunities they may present. The two Interstate-5 Marine Highway Corridor Initiatives are:
The Golden State Marine Highway Initiative
This is a joint effort by four California ports (Redwood City, Hueneme, San Diego and the Humbolt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District) to improve the efficiency of freight movement. The initiative proposes development of a Marine Highway linking California's deepwater ports and coastal harbors to form a 1,100 mile road and rail alternative for goods movement within California.
The West Coast Hub-Feeder Initiative
This initiative proposes development of an intermodal distribution network along the coastlines of Washington, Oregon and California. Two related but distinct freight markets can be served: domestic freight moving from wholesale to retail centers, and international containers via a hub-and-spoke system along the coast.
