OAK Airport Completes Phase 1 of $30 Million Flood Protection Project

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA -- The first phase of a $30 million airport perimeter dike improvement project is now complete at Oakland International Airport. The renovations could provide protection against flooding and sea level rise at the airport for the next 30-35 years, officials say.

The Airport Perimeter Dike (APD) provides flood and shoreline protection for Oakland International Airport. It's about 4.5 miles long and runs along the airport shoreline between the cities of Alameda and San Leandro.

“The improvements made to the Oakland International Airport’s perimeter dike further protects the airport from the devastating effects we are seeing caused by global climate change. Stronger storms, and devastating flooding are only some of the reasons we need to reinforce our critical infrastructure in the coming decades," Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) said.

“The completion of the Airport Perimeter Dike Improvement Project sets OAK up to support smooth airport operations for the next 30-35 years,” Port of Oakland Aviation Director Bryant L. Francis said. “The extra foot in height in addition to the FEMA requirement provides the airport more protection as it relates to projected sea-level rise in the coming years.”

The APD is comprised primarily of sand, gravel and clay. Construction of the original APD began in the 1950s as the south field of the airport surrounded by bay waters, was constructed for passenger air service facilities. Structural improvements to the APD were made in the 1980s, as the dike requires structural maintenance and improvements about every 30 years.