In 2021, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced an opportunity to lease a call area off the Humboldt County coastline for wind energy generation. Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation, and Conservation District (HBHRCD) recognized the need for modern, heavy lift port facilities to support offshore wind energy generation both locally and throughout the west coast. HBHRCD contracted with LACO to analyze the project permitting needs and develop a conceptual master plan for 160 acres of port and upland terminal areas owned by the District. LACO prepared an opportunities and constraints analysis of the project site, developed a comprehensive project description, and helped to develop a visual rendering of the project site at full build out. This Master Plan reimagines the project site, anticipating a heavy lift, roll-on roll-off dock facility, upland staging and laydown areas, industrial manufacturing and maintenance buildings, and various other industrial structures to support site uses such as maricultural and aquaculture. After development of the Master Plan for the site, LACO proceeded to work with the District to draft an Request For Qualifications to procure design and environmental planning consultants to initiate the project preliminary design, environmental analysis, and resource agency permitting process. LACO continues to support the District through the procurement process as an extension of staff, while also identifying, assessing, and recommending funding opportunities for all planned District projects.
