Ports

Ports are a critical gateway to the world and a powerful driver for local and regional economic development, job growth and retention. It is imperative that ports run efficiently and navigate the myriad of laws and regulations that impact them. As public agencies that both serve and operate side-by-side with the private sector, ports are faced with an atypical level of oversight and competition.
 
Best Best & Krieger LLP’s attorneys and advocates who serve port clients hail from a variety of practices and experiences that help ports thrive not only for commerce, but also as responsible stewards of the environment and the communities they serve.
 
BB&K provides a holistic, one-stop-shop service that addresses ports’ needs. These include:

• Identifying, securing and implementing funding sources through Advocacy, Public Finance and Public-Private Partnerships
• Public Contracts & Construction
• Transportation
• Infrastructure
• Energy
• Environmental issues including CEQA, California Coastal Act and Endangered Species Act compliance and Water Law
• Real Estate, Land Use and Eminent Domain
• General & Special Counsel
• Labor & Employment

Transportation and Infrastructure Projects
With so much of a port’s operations reliant on transportation, we help find creative and collaborative solutions that promote efficient cargo movement. We are experienced in public-private partnerships, utilization of alternative construction delivery methods and funding through bond and tax measures and federal programs such as the Army Corps of Engineers and Department of Transportation. Our experience includes channel and harbor deepening and maintenance, construction of rail projects and modernization and maintenance of existing rail systems and multi-modal projects, as well as the implementation of advance funding mechanisms like New Markets Tax Credits.
 
Energy
BB&K’s team has handled a number of energy matters for ports, including strategic planning, electrification of terminal operations, cold-ironing, interconnection agreements, utility disputes and capacity charges access to port properties and other matters.
 
Environmental and Water
Supporting sustainable, efficient and growing facilities that minimize disruption to neighboring communities, the environment, ecosystems and endangered species is a delicate balance for any port. BB&K’s collaborative approach and commitment to our clients’ visions keeps projects on track for success. Our team includes attorneys and advocates experienced in all aspects of environmental and water review, permitting and compliance issues, including the NEPA and CEQA processes, Clean Water Act permits and certifications, the California Coastal Act and the Endangered Species Act.
 
Maritime and Transportation Law
Ports and their clients must navigate a unique array of agencies and authorities that govern homeland security, safety, transportation and commerce. Our team brings experience with the Federal Maritime Commission, Transportation Department and other agencies, authorities and regulations that impact the maritime industry.
 
Economic Development
Our port service doesn’t stop at the end of the shipping line. We also help port clients develop their land into projects that serve the communities in which they operate. For instance, we represented the Port of San Diego in the $1.1 billion Chula Vista Bayfront hotel and convention center deal based on a public-private partnership.
 
Public Agency Law
One of the hallmarks of BB&K is its ability to offer public agency clients a full range of services. Our public law attorneys are accustomed to, and adept at, advising a variety of agencies on the unique needs and challenges they face as public agencies. We help these clients successfully maneuver through legal complexities and governmental directives, enabling them to focus on providing superior service to their stakeholders. This includes guidance on everything from open meeting laws and Public Records Act requests to disaster and resilience planning and response to infrastructure and transportation projects.