Outline:
A New Vision for the California Delta
California Forever and Nimitz Group, the owners of Mare Island, have unveiled a bold proposal to the federal government: the Maritime Prosperity Zone (MPZ). This initiative aims to transform the delta region of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers into a hub for maritime industries. The proposal has garnered support from several key organizations, including Cal Poly Maritime Academy in Vallejo, the Bay Area Council, the Solano Economic Development Corporation, and the Working Waterfront Coalition.
The MPZ is designed to span the heart of the California Delta, covering areas from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers through Suisun and San Pablo Bays, and encompassing Solano and neighboring counties. According to a release from California Forever, this concept aligns with recent bipartisan efforts to restore U.S. maritime dominance by establishing a nationally designated zone that can fast-track investment, infrastructure development, and workforce growth. The goal is to deliver immediate results while enabling long-term growth for America’s maritime industries.
This proposed format is intended to allow the entire region to benefit from federal support and incentives rather than focusing on a single site. It also aims to create a stronger business case for the project, potentially leading to more job creation. The release highlights the region’s strategic assets, such as deepwater access to the Pacific, historic maritime infrastructure, and available land at Mare Island, along with underutilized industrial land designated for the Solano Shipyard.
Eighty years ago, the region supported 220,000 jobs in the shipbuilding sector. The organizations involved are looking forward to continued coordination with federal agencies, including the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Navy, to translate this proposal into new shipyards and jobs as the Maritime Prosperity Zone concept advances. They also see today’s announcement as the start of broader coalition building for the California Delta Maritime Prosperity Zone, hoping other regional governments and organizations will join the effort.
However, the region has faced significant challenges recently. Two weeks ago, the Mare Island Dry Dock announced it would close its doors, resulting in the loss of 85 maritime jobs. This closure comes after the Valero Refinery in Benicia, the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Fairfield, and three schools in Vallejo also closed, raising questions about how to jump-start the local economy.
In March, Vallejo Mayor Andrea Sorce expressed confidence in the possibility of bringing quality jobs to Vallejo during a press conference with U.S. Rep. John Garamendi, author of the SHIPS Act. “This island used to be bustling with 40,000 people,” Sorce said. “We have the capability to bring back those jobs.” During a Mayors Committee meeting with the mayors of all seven Solano County cities, she reiterated her confidence, mentioning Cal Poly Maritime Academy specifically, noting that the academy is “looking to make a significant investment in workforce development.”
Solano Economic Development Corporation CEO Chris Rico believes the MPZ could lead to “unprecedented investment” in the region. “For too long, Solano’s greatest export has been our talent,” Rico said. “The designation of a Maritime Prosperity Zone is the catalyst we need to bring thousands of well-paid, skilled jobs back to our county, ensuring residents can build world-class careers right here at home.”
Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong emphasized the academy’s commitment to making Northern California a shipbuilding hub for the West Coast and Pacific Rim. “Our expert faculty and training facilities position us to prepare the next generation of maritime professionals and provide training and upskilling opportunities to those already engaged or transitioning into maritime careers,” Armstrong said. “Our Learn by Doing philosophy ensures that every learner gains hands-on experience and practical skills that can be immediately applied to support America’s shipbuilding dominance.”
California Forever also announced plans in March to explore a shipyard near Collinsville across about 1,400 acres zoned for Water Dependent Industrial use on the Delta. The company and local officials, including county supervisors and city representatives, have discussed preliminary concepts for using the site to support commercial and naval ship construction, potentially bringing significant maritime industry jobs to the region. Officials from Suisun City, Rio Vista, and Solano County have expressed interest in the possibility.
“This proposal responds directly to the national imperative to rebuild America’s maritime industrial base,” said Jan Sramek, founder & CEO of California Forever. “Solano County and the broader California Delta region are uniquely positioned to become a bridge between the past and the future of shipbuilding in California.”