Working group formed to push for Collinsville shipbuilding

FAIRFIELD — Assemblywoman Lori Wilson has put together a working group to foster "shipbuilding and maritime opportunities" in Solano County. "Solano County is strategically positioned to lead in shipbuilding and maritime innovation. Through this working group, we’re uniting local leaders and industry experts to leverage our strengths, address community concerns and create meaningful economic growth for our region," Wilson said in a statement.

The 20-member group has already met once. “We had a great turnout at our first meeting and have already begun productive conversations on advancing Solano County’s maritime future. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and engaging with additional local mayors and community leaders in the coming meetings,” Wilson said.



The announcement comes after it was revealed that California Forever is looking to develop 1,400 acres along the Sacramento River near Collinsville, with a focus on creating a shipbuilding industry linked to the U.S. Navy.

The work group includes two mayors – Alma Hernandez of Suisun City and Edwin Okamura of Rio Vista – as well as Supervisor Mitch Mashburn, two city managers (Rio Vista, Suisun City), County Administrator Bill Emlen and two assistant county administrators. Jan Sramek, founder and chief executive officer of California Forever, is also in the group, as well as representatives from the offices of state Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, and U.

S. Reps. Mike Thompson and John Garamendi.

Others include Sandy Person and Joe Dingman, with the Travis Community Consortium, Chris Rico, president and chief executive of the Solano County Economic Development Corp., Jim Wunderman, president and chief executive officer of the Bay Area Council, Bobby Winston, chief executive officer of the Working Waterfront Coalition, Dwight Calloway, former worker at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, and Bill Dutra and Patty Dutra Bruce, owners of The Dutra Group, a marine construction firm. “Joining the shipbuilding working group offers a chance to champion the revival of this historic industry in Solano County, both on a new site east of Collinsville and on Mare Island.

It’s an opportunity to drive local economic development and job creation, while also engaging in discussions that provide an opportunity to raise community questions early in this process," Hernandez said in the statement released by Wilson's office. Okamura added, "Bringing shipbuilding back to Solano County would be a game-changing economic boost for the entire region. Our County, City, and I have many unanswered questions, but I’m eager to be at the table to tackle challenges swiftly and create a win for everyone.

" Garamendi is also part of an effort to bring more shipbuilding to Mare Island's former Navy yard..