Avalon gets $5 million grant for Cabrillo Mole project

Public record Proposed site plan for Mole rehabilitation project.

Supervisor Janice Hahn wrote letter supporting grant

On Thursday, Jan. 26, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn applauded a $5 million Federal grant toward improving Avalon’s Cabrillo Mole Ferry Terminal. The ferry terminal has long needed upgrades and repairs and Hahn advocated strongly for the project to receive federal funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Improving our ferry terminal is so important as it is our visitor’s first impression of Avalon and our residents deserve a facility of which they can be proud,” said Avalon Mayor Anni Marshall. “On behalf of the city, I thank all Agencies involved in providing this substantial grant,” Marshall said.

The Cabrillo Mole Intermodal Ferry Terminal project is designed to expand the existing ferry terminal in Avalon and add components to address sea level rise. The Cabrillo Mole Intermodal Center handles more than 1 million passengers annually traveling to Avalon from San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach and Dana Point.

The existing facility was constructed in 1968 and can no longer accommodate the number of ferry passengers it receives. The new terminal expansion and construction adjustments are to prepare for the next 25 years of predicted sea level rise and will provide accessible passenger facilities, improve safety and security, improve pedestrian circulation, and enhance the overall user experience.

“This ferry terminal is a lifeline for the island,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn, who wrote a letter to the Department of Transportation in support of the grant.

“The ferry is the only public transportation to and from the island for residents and commuters and this terminal is in dire need of repair and upgrades. I thank the President and Secretary [Peter] Buttigieg for recognizing the importance of this project and providing this critical funding for our region,” Hahn wrote.