DATE: April 10, 2018
SUBJECT:
Title
INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION FROM THE MARITIME ALLIANCE INCLUDING A RECAP ON 2017 ACTIVITIES AND A LOOK AHEAD FOR 2018
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Maritime Alliance is the non-profit industry association for the largest BlueTech cluster in the United States. Located in San Diego, California, it focuses on business ecosystem development, economic development and workforce development by bringing together academia, industry and government. Its membership includes some of the world's leading ocean and water technology companies who work together to promote collaboration, innovation and an international Blue Voice. The Maritime Alliance will give an informational presentation recapping its 2017 activities and previewing its plan for 2018.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Receive informational presentation from the Maritime Alliance.
Body
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact.
Compass Strategic Goals:
This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goal(s).
• A thriving and modern maritime seaport.
• A Port with a healthy and sustainable bay and its environment.
• A Port that is a safe place to visit, work and play.
• A financially sustainable Port that drives job creation and regional economic vitality.
The goals and activities of the Maritime Alliance align well with these strategic goals of the Port.
DISCUSSION:
The Maritime Alliance is the non-profit industry association for the largest BlueTech cluster in the United States. Located in San Diego, California, it focuses on business ecosystem development, economic development and workforce development by bringing together academia, industry and government. Its membership includes some of the world's leading ocean and water technology companies who work together to promote collaboration, innovation and an international Blue Voice. The Maritime Alliance will give a presentation recapping its 2017 activities and previewing its plan for 2018.
General Counsel’s Comments:
The Office of the General Counsel has reviewed and approved this agenda as to form and legality.
Environmental Review:
The informational presentation from the Maritime Alliance includes a recap on 2017 activities and a look ahead for 2018 which does not constitute an “approval” or a “project” under the definitions set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15352 and 15378 because no direct or indirect changes to the physical environment would occur. CEQA requires that the District adequately assess the environmental impacts of projects and reasonably foreseeable activities that may result from projects prior to the approval of the same. Any project developed as a result of Board’s action or direction that requires the District or the Board’s discretionary approval resulting in a physical change to the environment will be analyzed in accordance with CEQA prior to such approval. CEQA review may result in the District, in its sole and absolute discretion, requiring implementation of mitigation measures, adopting an alternative, including without limitation, a “no project alternative” or adopting a Statement of Overriding Consideration, if required. The current Board direction in no way limits the exercise of this discretion. Therefore, no further CEQA review is required.
In addition, this Board item complies with Section 87 of the Port Act, which allows for the establishment, improvement, and conduct of a harbor, and for the construction, reconstruction, repair, maintenance, and operations of wharves, docks, piers, slips, quays, and all other works, buildings, facilities, utilities, structures, and appliances incidental, necessary, or convenient, for the promotion and accommodation of commerce and navigation. The Port Act was enacted by the California Legislature and is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine. Consequently, the proposed project is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine.
The informational presentation does not allow for “development,” as defined in Section 30106 of the California Coastal Act, or “new development,” pursuant to Section 1.a. of the District’s Coastal Development Permit (CDP) Regulations because they will not result in, without limitation, a physical change, change in use or increase the intensity of uses. Therefore, issuance of a Coastal Development Permit or exclusion is not required. However, development within the District requires processing under the District’s CDP Regulations. Future development, as defined in Section 30106 of the Coastal Act, will remain subject to its own independent review pursuant to the District’s certified CDP Regulations, PMP, and Chapters 3 and 8 of the Coastal Act. The Board’s direction or action in no way limits the exercise of the District’s discretion under the District’s CDP Regulations. Therefore, issuance of a CDP or exclusion is not required at this time.
Equal Opportunity Program:
Not applicable.
PREPARED BY:
Simon Kann,
Acting Principal, Aquaculture & Blue Technology
Jason Giffen
Assistant Vice President, Planning & Green Port