Marine Research Center Funding Announced

SAN PEDRO — On June 17, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa unveiled the name and major funding commitment for the Marine Research Center, at Berth 58 in San Pedro.

The center is a collaborative public and private partnership to transform the 100-year-old port pier. The 28-acre City Dock No. 1, just south of Ports O’Call, will feature seawater labs, offices, classrooms, lecture halls, interpretative center, support facilities and space for a seawater wave tank. Phase 1 of the projects will cost about $155 million, with a 2018 completion goal.

This new urban marine research and innovation center will bring together researchers and scientists from Southern California’s major colleges and universities, government agencies and industries to collaborate on new ideas and technologies to help better respond to global and national ocean-related problems. The entire project is estimated to cost $500 million, with completion over a 15- to 20-year timeframe.