The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners voted to double funding to the Port’s Maritime Industrial Impact Fund, the second increase in less than a year, while also expanding types of projects eligible under the MIIF. Approximately $1.5 million will be directed into the MIIF in Fiscal Year 2025, which has a current balance of nearly $1.1 million.
To date, the Port has directed approximately $2.6 million from the MIIF to reduce and mitigate maritime-related impacts for those in Barrio Logan and West National City. Examples of MIIF-funded projects and programs include the Free Ride Around National City electric shuttle program; air filters at Perkins K-8 School in Barrio Logan; air filters for residents living adjacent to the industrial bayfront; support for the Monarch School Garden and Nutrition Program; contribution to the Bayshore Bikeway segment in National City; the Port’s Barrio Logan Nighttime Noise Study; and more.
“The Maritime Industrial Impact Fund is one of the many ways we deliver on our promise to be good neighbors,” said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners in a press release. “We are already investing in the health of our communities with nearly $120 million spent on or dedicated to clean air projects. By doubling funding for and expanding our MIIF, we can do even more to improve the quality of life for all who live, work, and play on and around San Diego Bay.”
Established by the Board in 2010, the MIIF was originally funded with $500,000. In 2017, the Board updated the policy to commit one-half of one percent of the Port’s annual gross maritime industrial revenue to the program. In June 2023, the Board voted to increase the annual funding to 2% of the Port’s annual gross maritime industrial revenue. At its most recent meeting, the Board voted to again increase the annual funding, this time to 4% of the Port’s annual gross maritime industrial revenue.
These and many other projects and initiatives are identified in the Port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy.
