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REDWOOD CITY - 07/27/04 - A record 1.5 million metric tons of bulk and specialty cargo crossed the Port of Redwood City docks during the fiscal year 2003-2004 that ended June 30.
 
The tonnage surpasses the record of 1.1 million tons set last year, and becomes the third "million ton year" in the San Francisco Bay Area port's history.

"The record is reflective of the busy construction industry and the strong demand for scrap metal overseas," said Redwood City Port Commission Chairman Larry Aikins said, adding the tonnage surge was driven by increases in imports of cement, construction sand, and gypsum and export of scrap metal.

Cement, aggregates and gypsum imported from China, Canada, and Mexico are used in many of the major infrastructure and building projects throughout Northern California.

Cement imports from China to Redwood City-based RMC Pacific Materials Inc. reached 440,483 metric tons for the fiscal year, up 21% over last year.

Another local company, Pabco Gypsum Inc., imported 282,863 metric tons of gypsum, a 22% increase over the prior year.

Metal recycler Sims Metals America Inc. exported 278,780 tons of scrap metal generated mostly from old vehicles to the Far East, an increase of 2%.

Sand and other aggregates made up the balance of the tonnage, with imported sand increasing from 95,676 metric tons in fiscal year 2003 to 281,989 metric tons, nearly a 200% increase.

All in all, 142 ships and barges called at the port during the period, up from 100 the year before.

The Port Commission agreed to contribute an additional $400,000 "emergency contribution" to the financially-strapped City of Redwood City's General Fund, in equal installments between July 1, 2004, and July 1, 2005.
 
For the last 10 years, the port has contributed a percentage of its net revenue to the City based on a pre-determined formula.
 
Combined with the one-time emergency contribution in equal installments, it is projected that the port will give the city $1.2 million over the next two fiscal years, starting July 1, 2004.

The Port of Redwood City does not receive any tax subsidies and supports its operations through revenues generated from maritime, commercial, and recreational activities, said Aikins.

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