New State Law May Help Harbor Grow
Gov. Pete Wilson has signed into law a bill that enables the Port of Hueneme to take a more active role in the two large transportation projects that would help the tiny harbor grow--the proposed Rice Avenue extension and a commercial airport at nearby Point Mugu.
“This bill goes a long way toward leveling the playing field between Hueneme and other Pacific Rim ports,” Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner Mike Plisky said. “It gives us some additional muscle in attracting cargo and jobs to our area.”
Sponsored by Assemblyman Nao Takasugi, R-Oxnard, the new law safeguards $8.9 million in federal money earmarked for the proposed one-mile extension of Rice Avenue, which would provide the port with improved access to the Ventura Freeway.
Previously, state law would not have permitted the port to take part in the project because it is outside district boundaries.
The law will also allow the port to participate in a joint-powers agency that is considering creating a commercial airport at Point Mugu. Moreover, the law provides the port with greater flexibility in issuing revenue bonds.
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