Revival at dry docks could bring 120 jobs

Revival at dry docks could bring 120 jobs
By Jessica A. York
Posted: 11/01/2009

A project plan for California Dry Dock Solutions on Mare Island puts the ship recycling company to work by late next spring and hiring up to 120 workers.
The Vallejo Planning Commission will consider the project Monday night.
Vallejo's support of the project is a needed step in reopening two of Mare Island's long-dormant naval dry docks. But even with it, the company would need to secure regional regulatory agency permits, contracts with the federal government to scrap Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet vessels and a property lease with Mare Island master developer Lennar Mare Island.
In addition to ship recycling, startup plans for the site include the demolition of four buildings, reuse of 11 buildings and the construction of two parking lots. The company, which hopes to expand its business plan to repair and build ships, will also need to dredge about 102,000 cubic yards of Mare Island Strait sediment.
The city report acknowledges concerns over a heavy industrial company so near a planned visitor-friendly waterfront development.
Other concerns include noise and air quality impact for residents across the water in the St. Vincent's Hill area and California Dry Dock Solutions' commitment to hiring locally. City planning staff recommends monitoring site sound levels for up to six months following project startup to ensure the venture does not exceed legal noise levels.
Early plans to give visitors a dedicated viewing site for on-site ship dismantling
have been scrapped, because the available property has shrunk, said Jay Anast, California Dry Dock Solutions CEO. Anast said the property will be enclosed with a fence, but a chain link fence could still allow visitors to peek into the site.
Contact staff writer Jessica A. York at (707) 553-6834 or jyork@timesheraldonline.com.
If you go
What: Vallejo Planning Commission
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: Vallejo City Council Chamber, 555 Santa Clara St.
At issue: California Dry Dock Solutions' reuse of Mare Island dry docks