Port of Hueneme Close to Deal for Use of Navy Dock

The Port of Hueneme appears close to striking a deal with the Navy to use one of its wharves, a move that would allow the port to dramatically increase its cargo-handling capacity and attract more customers.

Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley), who has assisted the Oxnard Harbor District in its lengthy negotiations with the Navy, said Thursday that he expects an agreement to be reached soon.

“If we don’t have any unforeseen obstructions, we hope to be able to accomplish this within the next few weeks or couple of months at the outside,” Gallegly said.

The congressman said he has been working on a joint-use agreement with the Navy for the past 18 months. He said for the port to secure the use of a third dock would open up numerous business opportunities.

“It will provide probably at least 50% more operating capacity to have another ship in there. That’s three ships instead of two,” Gallegly said.

Although declining to comment on specifics, a Navy spokeswoman said officials are putting the finishing touches on a draft deal that should be ready within the month. It will then be reviewed and revised before a final agreement is signed, she said.

“It will take awhile, but just having a draft document at the working level is a good step,” said Linda Wadley, public affairs officer for the Naval Construction Battalion Center at the Port of Hueneme.

Port officials have long had their eye on the Navy’s Wharf 3 dock, which lies just beyond a chain-link fence dividing the port and the neighboring Naval Construction Battalion Center.

The 90-acre port currently has only two berthing stations for cargo ships, severely limiting the amount of business it can handle. Officials say that if an agreement is reached, the port would be in a good position to lure such companies as Westlake Village-based Dole Foods, which now ships through Long Beach Harbor.

But while they maintain that a joint-use agreement is crucial to the port’s continued success, some officials expressed doubts that a deal is near.

“I’m very skeptical, and I’m not going to get excited until I see the documents and have a chance to read them,” said Mike Plisky, an Oxnard Habor District commissioner who has worked closely with the Navy in negotiations. “If it happens, that will be great, but I’m not betting any money on it.”

Supervisor Frank Schillo said he brought the two sides together about six months ago to try and hammer out a deal and that throughout that time, negotiations have continued to move forward.

“Both sides have a lot to offer each other,” he said. “I think they have a better understanding of that now.”

Port officials long ago promised that if they were given access to the wharf, they would make a number of capital improvements. This would include installing loading cranes, constructing new warehouses and maintaining the facility.

Under their proposal, the Navy would be allowed access to the wharf when needed and would not be required to make any investment in its maintenance or improvement.

If an agreement is reached, port officials said they will be better positioned to increase their client base and diversify their operations.

For the county, it could mean a tremendous infusion of money into the local economy.

“There are a lot of companies out there that would start considering us if we could guarantee them berth space,” Plisky said. “If this comes through, you can be sure that we’re going to be calling all them, plus some.”

Times staff writer Daryl Kelley contributed to this story.