Vallejo moves to position Mare Island for federal shipbuilding investment; council asks staff to draft white paper

Vallejo’s City Council unanimously approved a motion Sept. 30 directing staff to develop and forward a maritime industry white paper to Rep. John Garamendi that would promote Vallejo — and Mare Island in particular — as a regional site for federal shipbuilding and repair investments.

Assistant City Manager Gillian Hayne outlined federal developments including a draft SHIPS Act and a related presidential executive order that would expand funding, tax credits and incentives for shipyard infrastructure, training and industrial jobs. Hayne said the SHIPS Act contemplates grant and incentive programs (staff cited figures discussed generically at the meeting) and that the city and private owners have existing assets that could be part of a regional proposal. “This property is part of what was a prior proposal for Solano Ranch…there was capacity at that time for a larger scale project,” Hayne said, noting the tribe‑funded impact studies under the earlier presentation were separate.

Public commenters — including local residents and online speakers — broadly urged Vallejo to emphasize Mare Island’s existing infrastructure: dry docks, piers, rail and proximity to Cal Maritime (Cal Poly). Melvin Cowan, a Vallejo resident, said revitalizing shipbuilding could bring well‑paid trades jobs and retain local maritime graduates. Others cautioned that Collinsville (a competing site discussed by private developers) lacks existing infrastructure and dredging there would be costly and environmentally sensitive.

Council members voiced consistent support for moving quickly while preserving community benefits. Several council members urged the city to lead the effort and to coordinate with regional partners (Alameda, Richmond, Benicia, Cal Maritime, Mare Island Company) rather than be sidelined by competing proposals. Councilmembers emphasized workforce development and community benefits: “We have Cal Maritime…we have the waterfront workforce coalition,” one councilmember said, urging pipeline development for Vallejo residents.

The motion directs staff to engage consultants and partners to produce a draft white paper and return it to council for review; staff said they could engage consultants immediately and aim to present a draft within weeks to a month, with an October target for a first draft if the council so directs. The council voted unanimously in favor of forwarding the white paper to Rep. Garamendi and affirmed support for industrial shipbuilding on Mare Island.