The Board of Port Commissioners just unanimously approved a 2020 Vision Plan – the first of its kind in Port history. The plan will strategically guide all of the Port’s work over the next 25 years. Focus will be placed on four key areas to strengthen the Port’s impact to the region’s economy and quality of life:

Each of these pieces has an important role in the Port’s ecosystem, and this plan helps balance them harmoniously with the ultimate goal of leveraging our phenomenal regional asset – now and for years to come. Stay with the Port’s Currents for more vision updates throughout the year.

Warm regards,

Kristine A. Zortman Executive Director, Port of Redwood City

The scoop on dredging Dredging may not sound very exciting, but under the surface it does a lot for our economy and environment. Dredging cleans out the Redwood Creek Channel by scooping out mud, weeds and silt that collect over time. Left undone, the channel would eventually fill up and close.   Having a wider, deeper and longer channel allows larger cargo vessels to come and go from the Port with full loads, which is important to our economy and environment. In fact, just one full cargo ship alone can reduce up to 2,500 local truck trips on our nearby roads and highways. There’s a public safety benefit, too. The Port of Redwood City is a designated FEMA Federal Staging Area and could be activated during an emergency to move people and supplies. A clear channel ensures the Port is always ready to answer the call should disaster strike. Still not digging it? If the economic and environmental benefits aren’t enough to get you excited about dredging, consider the recreational impacts. By keeping up with dredging efforts, the channel remains open and clear for public recreational uses like canoeing, kayaking, fishing and enjoying our local flora and fauna along the waterfront.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for the channel clearance and invested $8 million in 2019 to dredge it to 30-feet deep. The Port invested $2 million in 2018 to dredge its berths to 34-feet deep, allowing larger vessels to dock. Dig a little deeper >> Learn more about the Port’s dredging program here .

Party at the Port! Did you know you can host your next family or corporate event on Redwood City’s beautiful waterfront? The Port’s waterfront puts you right at the water’s edge for launching your kayak, fishing, watching the sunset, or taking in the newly installed public art project by well-known street artist Marlon Yanes . The Port has many green spaces and gathering areas that can accommodate fundraisers, corporate events and festivals, while nearby businesses offer plenty of recreational rentals, charters, or other water activities. >> Learn more or apply to hold your event at the Port here .

Channel cleanup a success Spring cleaning came early for the Redwood City Creek Channel when the Port and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) partnered to remove debris from the channel and surrounding waterways. The event collected roughly five tons of debris.  Unlike dredging , this cleanup effort focused on removing things like stray logs, pilings and even an old wooden pier. This helps keep the marine waterway system navigable for business and safe for use. The USACE vessel John A.B. Dillard and her crew, led by Captain Kixon Meyer, specialize in debris removal from San Francisco Bay and assisted the Port’s field operations staff in the effort. “We owe a huge thanks to the crew of the Dillard and USACE for their hard work,” explained Ralph Garcia, chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners. “It is great to have partners who work with us to keep our environment clean and healthy for all who enjoy the waterfront.”

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