Board reviews fast-tracked proposal to reconfigure Collinsville maritime acreage for potential shipyard as residents raise safety and environmental concerns

The Solano County Board of Supervisors received an informational update Sept. 9 on staff discussions with state economic development officials and a private proponent about reconfiguring the Collinsville special study area to accommodate a potential shipbuilding facility.

The update focused on a proposed state bill, informally called the Solano Maritime Act, that would direct the county to amend its general plan and local zoning by Dec. 31, 2026, to reshape — but not enlarge — the county's existing water-dependent industrial (WDI) acreage east of Collinsville. County staff said the measure would also include a limited CEQA streamlining provision and a sunset date for the statute.

Why it matters: the Collinsville area already is identified in the county general plan as a long-range water-dependent industrial opportunity, but the parcel map is irregular. County staff told supervisors proponents want the county to reconfigure the WDI boundary so a maritime-industrial layout would be buildable and competitive for federal and private shipbuilding funds. Supporters say a major maritime facility could create local manufacturing and union construction jobs; critics said the process is rushed and risks public safety, groundwater and wetland values.

County staff summary and next steps James Biesick, Director of Resource Management, described the background: the 2008 general plan designates an 8,500-acre Collinsville special study area, with roughly 1,305 acres east of Collinsville and about 289 acres currently zoned for water-dependent industrial in the Collinsville vicinity. Biesick said the draft legislation would permit the county to “adjust the water dependent industrial boundary” to a more functional…