Port staff outline $185 million GO bond allocations; Brannan Street Wharf faces $4 million shortfall

Deputy Director Elaine Forbes delivered an informational update on the Port's use of the 2008 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks General Obligation bond. Forbes said San Francisco voters approved $185 million citywide, of which $33.5 million is allocated to waterfront parks. Staff provided project allocations, noting Pier 43 Bay Trail Link is allocated $7.8 million, the Brannan Street Wharf $2.9 million and Blue Greenway projects $21.6 million. The Pier 43 Bay Trail Link has completed environmental review and entitlements and staff expects to advertise bids and move to an 18‑month construction schedule.

During discussion, commissioners asked about a roughly $4,000,000 shortfall for delivering the Brannan Street Wharf full build‑out. Project manager Steven Meehl explained the base contract can be funded but several additive alternates — a float and gangway (approximately $1.3 million), a shade structure (about $300,000) and an adjacent wharf section tied to Pier 30‑32 — make up the difference. Meehl said the Port can deliver a base project within current funding but that the alternates are needed to meet the desired America's Cup viewing configuration; staff is seeking additional funding and will return with budget recommendations and timing tied to construction and event deadlines.

Forbes said future bond issuances are planned to fund construction readiness and that staff will return with supplemental appropriation requests for upcoming sales. No final appropriation or contract award was taken at this meeting.