Governor signs Wolk bill giving West Sac governance of Port of Sacramento

Legislation gives West Sacramento control over future of local business

SACRAMENTO–Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger yesterday signed legislation by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to create a new governance structure for the Port of Sacramento that will expand the port’s business prospects.

Assembly Bill 2939 removes the City and County of Sacramento from the Sacramento-Yolo Port District, which currently manages the port. The Port’s management will now be left entirely to its host jurisdiction, the City of West Sacramento and Yolo County.

“My legislation addresses the need for a new management structure that will encourage the competitive spirit that has made the port so integral to the transportation of goods throughout California, and to the local job market,” said Wolk. “But for the port to maintain its presence in the industry and continue to providing employment opportunities, things have to change.”

AB 2939 is the result of negotiations between the cities of Sacramento and West Sacramento and the counties of Yolo and Sacramento, the four jurisdictions with official interests in the Port. This legislation codifies an existing binding agreement between all parties that created an interim Port Commission intended to take over Port governance from the City and County of Sacramento.

This legislation forms a permanent five-member Port Commission, eliminating seats on the commission for the City of Sacramento and Sacramento County. Of the five members, one will be appointed from Yolo County, the other four from the City of West Sacramento.

“Sacramento-Yolo Port District was the only Port District on the West Coast not managed by its host jurisdiction. My legislation addressed that discrepancy, placing the responsibility for the port’s success with those best suited for the task. I thank the Governor for signing the bill into law,” concluded Wolk.

AB 2939, which will take effect January 1, 2007, passed the both State Assembly and Senate with unanimous, bipartisan votes.  The bill is supported by the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, city of West Sacramento, Yolo County Supervisor Mike McGowan, Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, Sacramento Area Council of Governments, the California Association of Port Authorities, Solano County Board of Supervisors, and Port of Oakland.