Port Commission ratifies Maritime Industry Preservation Policy to prioritize water-dependent uses

The Port of San Francisco—ommission on Tuesday ratified a new Maritime Industry Preservation Policy aimed at protecting water-dependent uses, prioritizing dredging and repairs, and guiding future development on Port property.

Jim Maloney, of the port epartment's maritime division, presented the updated draft and asked commissioners to ratify a resolution formalizing seven policy points that emphasize prioritizing maritime activities, encouraging rehabilitation of maritime assets and reserving certain waterfront areas for water-dependent uses. Maloney told the commission staff had incorporated feedback from the Port—ommission's Maritime Commerce Advisory Committee and other stakeholders.

The policy lists seven priorities, including encouraging development or rehabilitation that enhances water-dependent commercial uses, limiting non-water-dependent municipal or commercial uses on waterfront-access sites (except parks), maintaining adequate water depth and prioritizing dredging, and seeking financing options to support maritime improvements. The draft also revised earlier language to remove a requirement that vessels move weekly and added an exemption for the historic USS Pompano.

Commissioners pressed staff to clarify the policy's funding language. A staff member explained the 50% goal in the resolution refers to 50% of the port nnual operating capital budget being dedicated as a goal for maritime improvements, subject to the Port Commission—udget approvals, mayoral and Board of Supervisors processes, outstanding bond covenants and possible waivers for exigent circumstances.

Several maritime stakeholders spoke in favor of the policy during public comment. Dennis Dysinger, director of business development for BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair at Pier 70, said the policy would help preserve infrastructure and jobs and noted that recent dredging enabled his firm to bid on larger work and that the Military Sealift Command had awarded a package on the USNS Kaiser. Leif (member of the Port Maritime Commerce Advisory Committee) and Marina Sakatana of the Inlandboatmen nd Longshore union also urged approval, highlighting job and workforce considerations. John Sindre, business director for the San Francisco Bar Pilots, expressed support as well.

Commissioners proposed a technical amendment clarifying the whereas language to reference the annual operating capital budget; staff agreed the amendment better reflected the intent. The amended motion passed by voice vote and Resolution 11-58 was approved.

The policy sets internal goals for funding priorities such as dredging and repairs (staff said the port's typical dredging budget averages about $7 million, with peaks around $14 million in some years) but acknowledges that achieving the 50% goal is subject to budget approvals and financial constraints. The commission indicated the goal is guidance and that waivers could be granted if necessary.

Following the vote, commissioners and staff said they would return with more detailed implementation steps, proposed metrics and next steps for how the port will track the policy's funding and project selection.