West Sacramento port looks for operator

   The Port of West Sacramento in Northern California has released a request for interest (RFI) to identify potential business partners to lease or operate the port’s cargo facilities and to lease, purchase or develop port-owned real estate.
   The inland port is located in one of the richest agricultural regions in the world. The port opened in 1963, primarily to serve the region’s rice industry and is capable of handling an array of cargo commodities through its facilities. The port is located 79 nautical miles from San Francisco with direct access to Suisun Bay provided via the 40-mile Deep Water Ship Channel, which is maintained at a depth of 30 feet.
   “We’re looking for ways to ensure that the port is financially self-sufficient while remaining a long-term economic and community asset to the City of West Sacramento and greater Sacramento region,” said Mike McGowan, port commission chairman, in a statement.
   The port, which has been operated by the City of West Sacramento since 2006, wants to transition to a landlord operating model that reduces cargo facility operating costs and cargo-market risks, and increases the value of underused facilities and properties.
   Statements of interest are due by Feb. 15.