Port of Long Beach Project Moves Closer to $255 Million Federal Investment

A key House committee has approved legislation that includes $255 million for the Port of Long Beach’s channel-deepening project, marking another step toward a major infrastructure upgrade.

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Emily Nguyen

Emily Nguyen is a Staff Writer at Long Beach Classic, covering local news, community events, restaurants, business openings, arts and culture, and neighborhood stories throughout Long Beach.
Cargo ships move through the Port of Long Beach, one of the busiest seaports in the United States and a critical gateway for international trade.

A major infrastructure project at the Port of Long Beach has taken another step forward after the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved legislation that includes $255 million for the port’s channel-deepening project.

The funding is included in the latest Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), a federal bill that authorizes improvements to the nation’s ports, waterways, and flood control infrastructure. While the funding is not yet final, committee approval moves the proposal one step closer to becoming law.

Congressman Robert Garcia, who represents Long Beach and serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced the committee’s approval on Tuesday.

“This is a huge win for Long Beach, for our workers, and for people across the country who depend on goods moving through our port every single day,” Garcia said in a statement. “I’ve been fighting for this project since my days as Mayor of Long Beach, and today we took a major step toward getting it done.”

Why the Project Matters

The Port of Long Beach is one of the busiest seaports in the world, handling billions of dollars in cargo each year and supporting thousands of jobs throughout Southern California.

The proposed project would deepen the port’s main navigation channel, allowing larger cargo ships to move more efficiently through the harbor. According to officials, the improvements are expected to strengthen the national supply chain, reduce shipping delays, lower transportation costs, and decrease pollution by reducing the amount of time ships spend waiting offshore to enter the port.

Another Investment in Long Beach's Future

If approved, the funding would build on previous federal investments aimed at modernizing the Port of Long Beach.

In 2023, Garcia helped secure $283 million for the Port’s Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility Program, a project designed to move more cargo by rail while reducing truck traffic on local freeways and streets.

Port of Long Beach Chief Executive Officer Dr. Noel Hacegaba welcomed the committee’s action, saying federal investment in maritime infrastructure plays an important role in strengthening the nation’s supply chain and supporting economic growth.

What Happens Next?

Although the committee has approved the legislation, the funding is not yet final.

The Water Resources Development Act must still be approved by the full House of Representatives. The Senate will also need to approve its version before any differences are reconciled. If the legislation passes Congress, it will then head to the President for signature before becoming law.

If ultimately approved, the investment would represent another significant federal commitment to the Port of Long Beach, one of the city’s largest economic engines and a vital hub for international trade.

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