Patterson Irrigator

The California Transportation Commission decided with a 9-0 vote that PCCP West Park LLC should receive close to $22.5 million in state money to build an inland port on and around the former U.S. Navy airbase in Crows Landing.

The money is contingent on West Park reporting back to the commission in September. West Park’s report will need to include air quality reviews, agreements with Union Pacific to use the company’s rail lines and disclosure of private benefits.

"It’s really a big day for the entire Central Valley," said West Park lead developer Gerry Kamilos. "Having that type of endorsement and having the funds helps tremendously."

The proposed 7.5-square-mile facility has drawn criticism from Patterson city officials and other local jurisdictions. Patterson City Attorney George Logan spoke Thursday before the commission in an attempt to deny West Park the funding.

Though West Park officials received most of what they requested, Logan remained optimistic.

"All is not lost," he said. "I was pleased (the commission) took a serious look at it. We’ll come back in September."

Kamilos said West Park would respond to the commission’s concerns as it continues to design the project.

"We’re ready and willing to address all the issues," Kamilos said.

West Park opponents have taken issue primarily with the size of the project and the traffic it would create. West Park estimates the project would generate about 37,650 jobs at its full size in 30 years. It would generate about 141,167 daily vehicle trips to and from the facility, as well as 12 new train trips through Patterson each day.

Patterson City Council has said it supports industrial development of the 1,527-acre air base, most of which the county owns, but not adjacent land. It also opposes the additional train traffic.

WS-PACE.org, a local group formed to oppose West Park’s plans, opted not to send representatives to the commission meeting. WS-PACE vice president Claude Delphia said the commission’s decision was not a "key issue," because Kamilos had stated previously that he could start building even without the state money.

The next hurdle for West Park will be winning the approval of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors on April 22. West Park is at the tail end of an exclusive negotiating period with the county. If most supervisors are satisfied with West Park’s plans, the county will enter another exclusive negotiating period with project developers. They will then have to draft an environmental impact report.

To reach John Saiz at the Irrigator, call 892-6187

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