Sacramento, CA – Port directors from across California met virtually with state policymakers for Ports Day 2021, gathering around the theme “Resilience in Action.” They highlighted the significant contributions California Ports made to assist the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his remarks to CAPA members, Assemblymember O’Donnell expressed gratitude for California Ports’ response to the pandemic, “When the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic hit, California ports stepped up to meet the moment.” O’Donnell, whose district is home to the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, continued, “Our state has relied on our ports to minimize disruptions to the supply chain, ease distribution of PPE, serve as vital hubs for testing, and now our ports are helping distribute vaccines to those who need it most.”
CAPA President Gene Seroka called on California’s elected leaders to recognize the role of CAPA-member ports as the state looks to the future. He said, “California ports were resourceful and resilient through a turbulent 2020. Now, as we look to the future, we hope the state will embrace its ports as true partners. As California addresses the great challenges of our time – pandemic response, climate change, trade competitiveness, and equitable job creation – we bring specific solutions to support our state’s recovery and resurgence.”
In 2020, during the start of the global pandemic, California Ports saw significant decreases in trade with record-breaking impacts. But demand rose for medical equipment, along with home improvement items, exercise equipment, and office furniture as consumers endured shelter-in-place orders and worked from home. The surge in cargo made 2020 one of the busiest years in history for California Ports.
Nevertheless, as a direct result of the pandemic, California Ports have grappled with millions of dollars in financial losses. As California recovers from this global health and economic crisis, our seaports must be at the center of any economic recovery plan. California Ports are well-positioned to play a key role in our economic resurgence. To do that, the State Legislature and Governor must explore solutions to will provide much-needed relief to our ports.
