Committee releases $253,000 for Southern Waterfront environmental justice work, advances Pier planning funds

The Finance Committee voted to release $253,000 in reserved port funds for environmental justice and brownfields remediation work in the Southern Waterfront, and also considered a related $457,230 request for Pier master planning and cruise terminal strategy.

Diane Oshima, assistant deputy director for waterfront planning at the Port, described projects focused on dust suppression, natural stormwater management and Pier 70 brownfields work that would prepare sites for shoreline improvements and future public open space. "We have a number of staff here to answer any particular questions about the dust suppression efforts, the natural base stormwater management improvements," Oshima said, noting the port has already implemented some improvements using alternative funds.

Supervisors pressed the port on community engagement and asked to ensure neighborhood benefits (including the Brannan Street/Brandon Street Wharf open space) are included in planning and revenue plans tied to development. The port said the Pier 3032 planning effort is meant to reestablish community dialogue around cruise‑industry objectives and related open space deliverables.

The budget analyst reported the port had provided sufficient budget detail for the requested releases and recommended approval; the committee released the funds without objection and indicated it expects the port to return for the remainder of reserved funds and for additional neighborhood coordination.

Next steps: port to proceed with remediation and planning work and to brief the committee on remaining reserve funds and neighborhood engagement plans.