Why Federal Investment Is Key to the Port of Long Beach’s Future

Nina Brooks
Associate Manager of Public Affairs and Advocacy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Published

April 22, 2026

At the Port of Long Beach—one of the nation’s busiest maritime gateways—the stakes of modernizing America’s transportation network are clearly in focus. That reality was on full display at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Keep America Moving Summit, where infrastructure leaders, policymakers, and business executives convened to discuss the critical role of reauthorizing and strengthening federal surface transportation programs.

Among the Summit’s standout participants was Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, who discussed the California port’s ambitious vision for the future and emphasized the importance of federal support in achieving it.

Dr. Hacegaba described the port’s “2050 Vision,” a comprehensive plan to modernize its facilities, enhance connectivity, and build resilience across the supply chain. This work is essential to its goal of doubling cargo throughout by 2050 and keeping up with demand. The Port of Long Beach has embraced a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure investment and community engagement.

“Having a vision not only gives us something to look forward to, but it gives us a planning horizon to make investments,” he said. “It’s brought alignment inside our organization, and it’s bringing alignment to all our industry partners.”

two men sitting in chairs — Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach (left) discusses the port's "2050 Vision" at the Keep America Moving Summit in Washington, DC.

Investing in the Future

The Port’s long-term strategy will allow it to more than double its capacity. After a record-setting 2025 moving 9.9 million cargo containers with no backlogs or delays, Dr. Hacegaba is preparing to meet annual projections of over 20 million containers by 2050.

Central to the Port of Long Beach’s strategy is the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, a transformative project that will improve rail connectivity and reduce congestion. Over the next decade, the port plans to invest $3.2 billion in infrastructure improvements, with the Pier B facility as its centerpiece.

“Rail is the key to our future,” Dr. Hacegaba said. “When I talk about the future and what we need to do to be more competitive and help the nation’s transportation system become more competitive and resilient, speed to market is a key to success, but rail conductivity is the key to our future.”

These investments are not just about improving operations—they are about strengthening the nation’s transportation network as a whole.

“We are a system of systems,” Dr. Hacegaba said. “At the Port of Long Beach, we think outside the docks. It's important for us to see ourselves as a node in a broader system. Yes, we are a port, but we’re connected to a transportation system across the nation.”

Engaging the Community

The Port of Long Beach’s success is also rooted in its strong relationship with the local community.

“Our secret sauce has been our ability to engage our community,” Dr. Hacegaba said. “When you manage your community relations well, it gives you a license to grow.”

The port invests $3 million annually in local nonprofits and awards nearly half a million dollars in scholarships to students in neighboring communities— efforts that both strengthen local ties and help develop the workforce of tomorrow.

A Call for Federal Support

While the Port of Long Beach is making significant strides, Dr. Hacegaba stressed the need for federal support to fully realize its vision.

“We need Congress to match support for infrastructure with funding,” he said. “Investments in infrastructure are investments in the national economy.”

The port’s modernization efforts align with the broader goals of the Keep America Movinginitiative, which calls for reauthorizing federal surface transportation programs, modernizing the permitting process, and ensuring long-term funding solutions.

As Congress works on the next surface transportation bill, the Port of Long Beach’s story serves as a powerful example of how visionary leadership, strategic investment, and community engagement can transform infrastructure and strengthen the nation’s supply chain. With the right support, the port’s 2050 Vision can become a reality that benefits not just Long Beach, but the entire country.