Wolk bill transfers Port of Sacramento governance to West Sac

Bill passes key committee with unanimous, bipartisan vote

SACRAMENTO–Legislation by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to create a new governance structure for the Port of Sacramento and expand the port’s business prospects passed the Assembly Committee on Local Government on a unanimous, bipartisan vote.

“The Port of Sacramento has played a key role in the movement of goods throughout California throughout its existence,” said Wolk. “However, it is very clear to all involved with the Port, if it is to continue to be a viable entity, to provide quality jobs in the region and to provide us with a piece to our larger transportation puzzle, changes in their governance structure must be made. AB 2939 makes these changes.”

Assembly Bill 2939 would give management of the Port to its host jurisdiction – the City of West Sacramento and Yolo County. Specifically, AB 2939 removes the City and County of Sacramento from the Sacramento-Yolo Port District that currently manages the ports. The bill also reduces the number of Port Commissioners from 7 to 5, with one of the five members being appointed from Yolo County, the other four from the City of West Sacramento.

While a binding agreement has already been signed creating an interim Port Commission that would take over Port governance from the City and County of Sacramento, this legislation would codify the deal. The interim commission would be disbanded when AB 2939 is signed into law.

“The Sacramento-Yolo Port District is the only Port District on the West Coast not managed by its host jurisdiction,” said Wolk. “It’s time for that to change.”

AB 2939 is supported by Yolo County Supervisor Mike McGowan, the CA Association of Port Authorities, City of West Sacramento, County of Sacramento, and Port of Oakland. There is no opposition. The bill will next be heard in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.