FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2024

Crescent City Harbor District Awarded $8 Million Grant for Citizens’ Dock Replacement

Crescent City, California – The Crescent City Harbor District (CCHD) is thrilled to announce an $8 million award from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) to completely replace Citizens’ Dock — a cornerstone of Crescent City’s commercial fishing industry and local economy.

This funding, secured through MARAD’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), will enable CCHD to replace the deteriorating 1950s-era dock, which is at risk of failure, even while it remains vital for seafood unloading and intermodal transportation. The new dock will incorporate weather-resilient materials, state-of-the-art hoists, enhanced public viewing platforms, and modern equipment designed to support the local fishing fleet and seafood- related businesses. Additionally, the new dock will improve accessibility for large trucks, forklifts, and vessels, enhancing supply chain efficiency.

Citizens’ Dock allows for the landing of over 9 million pounds of seafood annually, including several million pounds of Dungeness crab. It supports more than 100 commercial fishing vessels, with additional boats utilizing the facility during peak fishing seasons. Failure of the dock would have catastrophic economic consequences for the local fishing industry. The replacement project will bolster safety, operational efficiency, and resilience against natural hazards, such as tsunamis and storm surges.

The new Citizens’ Dock is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for Del Norte County and the surrounding region. Commercial fishing and tourism at the harbor contribute between $50 million and $100 million annually to the local economy, supporting businesses and creating jobs. As a tourist attraction, the dock draws visitors eager to experience a working harbor and observe the bustling fishing fleet. The project will enhance public access with safe viewing areas and interpretive signage, to foster a deeper connection to the maritime industry and ecosystem.CCHD President of the Board of Harbor Commissioners, Harry Adams, emphasized the project’s significance: "Citizens’ Dock is more than infrastructure — it’s a lifeline for our fishing community and a beacon for our local economy. Thanks to Congressman Huffman and MARAD, we’re securing the harbor’s future and preserving its role as an economic engine for Del Norte County."

CCHD CEO/Harbormaster, Mike Rademaker, acknowledged the teamwork and collaboration behind the grant: "This grant is a testament to the hard work of our team and the unwavering support of our community and partners. I would like to extend special thanks to our grant writers, Mike Bahr and Aislene Delane, with Community System Solutions. This grant will equip our fishing fleet to thrive while modernizing infrastructure to meet future challenges. We are honored by MARAD’s support and proud of our team’s efforts in securing this transformative funding."

U.S. Congressman Jared Huffman, who played a pivotal role in securing the funding, highlighted the project’s importance: "It's terrific that DOT’s Maritime Administration understands the need for important infrastructure improvements in Crescent City Harbor," said Rep. Huffman. "These funds will help modernize the port and improve safety, accessibility, and resilience in the face of future tsunamis, floods, and sea-level rise."

The Citizens’ Dock Replacement Project is part of Crescent City Harbor’s broader transformation into a resilient, economically vibrant port. With a total project cost of $10 million, including $2 million in state and local matching funds, this new project builds on existing projects, such as the replacement of the harbor’s seawall through a 2022 MARAD PIDP grant. These initiatives safeguard critical infrastructure, ensuring the Crescent City Harbor remains a vital resource for commerce and recreation.

The Crescent City Harbor District expresses its gratitude to Congressman Huffman for hissteadfast advocacy and to MARAD for recognizing the importance of this project to the Crescent City community and beyond.

For more information about the Crescent City Harbor District and the Citizens’ Dock Replacement Project, please visit www.ccharbor.com.

For more information about the PIDP, please visit: https://www.maritime.dot.gov/PIDPgrants

Media Inquiries:

CCHD Contact:

Mike Rademaker, CEO/Harbormaster

Email: mrademaker@ccharbor.com | Phone: (707) 464-6174

U.S. Congressional Contact:

Mary Hurrell, Communications Director

Office of Jared Huffman (CA-02)

Email: mary.hurrell@mail.house.gov | Phone: (202) 225-5187