The Port of Richmond has won an $11.2 million federal grant to help shore up one of several essential docks in need of major repairs.
The federal money will help provide critical infrastructure improvements at Berth 7 at the Point Potrero Marine Terminal, said a port press release emailed Tuesday by Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez’s office.
The project will provide structural rehabilitation of the wharf, restore the deck and surface conditions, enhance load-bearing capacity and improve resilience against seismic and climate-related risks.
Port officials said the upgrades will restore the berth to its operational capacity, allowing it to safely handle heavier and more diverse cargo.
Berth 7 is a key roll-on/roll-off facility that helps transport imported vehicles and other cargo essential to regional and national commerce.
The total cost of the infrastructure project is $14 million, with the port providing 20% local matching funds.
“This is a transformative investment in the Port of Richmond and the city of Richmond,” said Port Director Charles Gerard in a press release. “The [project] will restore critical infrastructure, improve safety and efficiency, and position our port to meet growing demand while strengthening the resilience of the nation’s supply chain.”
“This federal investment ensures that the Port of Richmond remains competitive, resilient and ready to serve future generations,” said Martinez in the release.
Total port repairs estimated at $228 million
Berth 7 was named alongside Berths 5, 6 and 8 in a report shared with the Richmond City Council last October that outlined $228 million in port repairs.
The report by the engineering firm Moffatt and Nichol identified 11 priority projects, ranging from immediate safety repairs to long-term infrastructure modernization.
Portions of Berths 7 and 8 were rated in “poor to serious” condition due to damaged and missing timber piles as well as pavement failures from soil erosion and structural deterioration.
The engineers said one of the most urgent repairs involves fixing a broken support beam near Berth 7 that has caused deck sagging. That issue appears set to be resolved as part of the $14 million grant-funded project.
Gerard has said the port plans to begin work on all the upgrades and repairs in the next 10 years.
In April, the Richmond City Council approved a contract with Liftech Consultants to conduct preliminary research on plans to move the historic World War II ship SS Red Oak from its current location in the Point Portero terminal to a new location near the Rosie the Riveter museum.
