CITY OF FAIRFIELD
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-61
SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO ATTRACT SHIPBUILDING TO SOLANO COUNTY
WHEREAS, Solano County has a storied history of shipbuilding, notably with the establishment of the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in 1854, in the City of Vallejo, which served as the first United States Navy base on the Pacific Ocean and was instrumental in U.S. Pacific Naval operations until its closure in 1996; and
WHEREAS, the Mare Island Naval Shipyard played a pivotal role during World War II, significantly contributing to the nation's defense efforts, and bolstering the local economy through job creation and industrial development, eventually building more than 520 vessels; and
WHEREAS, even after the closure of the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, the Mare Island Dry Dock continues operating to this day, providing dry-docking, ship repair, and conversions, major overhauls, and emergency ship services to both government and commercially owned vessels; and
WHEREAS, also within Solano County, the city of Benicia was previously home to the Turner/Robertson Shipyard, founded by renowned shipbuilder Matthew Turner, who was the most prodigious shipbuilder in North America around the turn of the 20 th century and over a career spanning nearly 40 years, constructed 228 vessels including numerous sailing ships, steamers, and other vessels; and
WHEREAS, the Southern Pacific Railroad, which was succeeded by the Central Pacific Railroad, constructed and operated the ferry Solano, launched in 1879, which was a marvel of its time and the largest railroad ferry in the world for 35 years until its sister ship, the Contra Costa, was commissioned. The ferries were capable of transporting entire trains across the Carquinez Strait, showcasing Solano County's innovative spirit in maritime transportation; and
WHEREAS, Solano County forms the northern boundary of the Carquinez Strait, a tidal estuary of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers that connect Suisun Bay with San Pablo Bay, the northern extension of the San Francisco Bay, providing access to deep water shipping channels further inland to the Port of Sacramento and the Port of Stockton; and
WHEREAS, Solano County is a central point within the Northern Calif ornia megaregion which is home to more than 12.6 million residents with a combined GDP surpassing $1.21 trillion, representing 3.9% of the U.S. population, and 5.9% of the U.S. economy; and
RES. NO. 2025-61
WHEREAS, Solano County is proudly the home of the California Ma ritime Academy, and due to Solano’s central location, is within a 2 -hour drive of Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, UC Davis, and five California State University campuses; and
WHEREAS, southeastern Solano County, at the tail end of the Sacramento River, has a 2 -mile- long stretch of waterfront along the deepwater shipping channel which is identified by the County of Solano General Plan for water-dependent industrial, which calls for waterfront industrial such as manufacturing and shipbuilding; and
WHEREAS, given the area’s rich history in shipbuilding, central location within the Northern California megaregion, access to world -class educational institutions, sheltered deep water access, and land use designations that allow for waterfront manufacturing, Sola no County is uniquely positioned to restore U.S. shipbuilding dominance on the west coast, leveraging its unparalleled location, infrastructure, and workforce; and
WHEREAS, establishment of a new shipbuilding facility east of Collinsville would help to re vive Solano County’s proud maritime heritage, leveraging the county's strategic location, existing infrastructure, and workforce to enhance national security and stimulate economic growth; and
WHEREAS, the development of such a facility is anticipated to create substantial employment opportunities, not only for Solano County residents but also for surrounding counties including Contra Costa, Napa, Yolo, San Joaquin , and Sacramento, fostering a broad regional workforce; and
WHEREAS, a revitalized shipbuilding ecosystem will generate demand for supporting industries such as steel fabrication, advanced manufacturing, maritime logistics, and maritime technology innovation throughout the greater Northern California megaregion; and
WHEREAS, this maritime development will strengthen regional supply chain networks and spur further infrastructure investment, benefiting all cities within Solano County, as well as the County of Solano; and
WHEREAS, the economic stimulus from this regional initiative is expected to e nhance regional resilience and competitiveness, creating cross-county collaborative opportunities for education, workforce development and training, and research partnerships with local colleges and universities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fairfield recognizes the potential for the development of a shipbuilding facility to serve as a generational opportunity for the entire region, fostering long-term economic prosperity, reinforcing the county's historical identity as a hub of maritime excellence, and uplifting communities across the region; and
RES. NO. 2025-61
WHEREAS, the City of Fairfield is committed to collaborating with regional and national partners to support initiatives that honor our rich maritime history and contribute to the economic vitality of our community and its neighboring jurisdictions.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRFIELD HEREBY RESOLVES:
Section 1. The City of Fairfield is in full support of a coordinated regional effort to attract the investment necessary to construct a new shipbuilding facility in southeastern Solano County , and/or Mare Island, that be nefits all cities and Solano County economically while addressing environmental impacts.
Section 2. Authorizes the city manager to undertake activities in partnership with the Solano Economic Development Corporation, the County of Solano, and each of the incorporated cities within the county to represent the interests of the region in attracting investment for shipbuilding, repair facilities, and other maritime industries.
Section 3. Calls on our elected representatives at the state and federal level, i ncluding the Governor of California, to offer their full support to make Solano County a part of demonstrating California’s might in innovation and economic prowess and restore U.S. maritime dominance.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of April 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: MEMBERS: MOY/BERTANI/CARR/PANDURO/SANDHU/TONNESEN/WILLIAMS NOES: MEMBERS: _________________________________________________ ABSENT: MEMBERS: _________________________________________________ ABSTAIN: MEMBERS: _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
___________________________
CITY CLERK