Oakland, Calif. —May 13, 2010— Oakland International Airport (OAK), owned and operated by the Port of Oakland, received a $2.5 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) toward installing electrical ground power, which reduces aircraft emissions, in a section of aircraft ramp currently under rehabilitation.

The FAA’s Voluntary Airport Low Emission (VALE) funding program allows OAK to install ground power infrastructure at 18 aircraft parking positions. Now, air carrier and cargo aircraft can “plug-in” to emissions-free electrical power when they are parked away from the terminals overnight, or for maintenance or cargo loading/unloading. This new system replaces the need to use aircraft internal jet-fueled auxiliary power units and/or external diesel-fueled ground power units.

“Oakland International Airport and its tenants have been long-time environmental stewards, focused on minimizing the airport’s operational effects on the local community and the natural environment,” said the Port’s Director of Aviation Deborah Ale Flint. “We appreciate the FAA’s financial and staff support, which allows us to voluntarily install electrical power on our ramp where airlines and air cargo tenants operate their businesses,” she continued.

In addition to the VALE grant, OAK received $14.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“stimulus bill”) funding for this overall $31 million project, which involves reconstructing a taxilane, a section of aircraft parking ramp, and the air cargo loading ramp. The project also includes replacing a portion of the Terminal 2 apron with concrete, a material that enhances durability and longevity. Thousands of labor hours have been allocated to this project since construction began in July 2009. Completion is expected in summer 2011.

A portion of the project is also being funded through Passenger Facility Charges, a federal program which allows the collection of up to $4.50 for every enplaned passenger at commercial airports controlled by public agencies.

OAK is a proud leader among U.S. airports that are focused on environmental initiatives. The Environmental Efforts Take Flight at Oakland International Airport brochure summarizes these accomplishments at oaklandairport.com.

About the Port of Oakland/Oakland International Airport
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport and 20 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the fifth busiest container port in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport is the second largest San Francisco Bay Area airport and fourth largest airport in California, offering over 140 daily flights; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Visit portofoakland.com and oaklandairport.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Rosemary Barnes, Airport Spokesperson
Oakland International Airport
510-563-2892
[email protected]