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Discuss and provide direction on the County’s legislative position regarding potential State legislation related to shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing development in the Collinsville Special Study Area
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The County Administrator’s Office and Department of Resource Management recommend that the Board of Supervisors discuss and provide direction regarding the County’s legislative position on potential State legislation related to shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing development in the Collinsville Special Study Area.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Collinsville Special Study Area has long been identified in the Solano County General Plan as a potential location for water-dependent industrial development (Attachment A). In April 2025, the Board received an overview of renewed interest in Collinsville for shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing and encouraged project proponents to work directly with the County regarding a potential project and the land-use, environmental, infrastructure, and permitting requirements necessary to advance development. The April report noted that the area presently lacks substantial infrastructure and that a future project would require discretionary review, environmental review, public input, and coordination with State and regional permitting agencies.
In September 2025, the Board considered proposed State legislation intended to expedite a then-pending national shipbuilding site-selection opportunity. The proposal was developed very late in the legislative session. On September 9, the Board directed staff, by a 5-0 vote, to continue dialogue with California Forever on project details, continue engagement with State partners on legislation consistent with County principles, and report back regarding legislative discussions, infrastructure and environmental analyses, and entitlement pathways. The legislation did not advance during the 2025 legislative session.
Discussions resumed in late 2025 and continued throughout 2026. In late May, County staff was presented with a concept that would have linked potential shipbuilding legislation to the proposed Suisun Expansion Plan. No written proposal or legislative language regarding that concept was provided to the County for review.
In August 2026, the Governor’s Office contacted the County regarding a legislative approach focused specifically on shipbuilding and maritime advanced manufacturing. Members of the Board’s shipbuilding ad hoc committee and County staff subsequently met with State representatives to discuss a potential legislative framework. Legislation remains under active development. Staff anticipates that proposed legislation may be released after publication of the agenda packet. If legislation is introduced before the Board meeting, staff will update this agenda item and address the provisions of the legislation as part of the presentation for this item.
The Legislature is approaching the final deadline for introduction of legislation during the current legislative session. As a result, the timeframe for development and consideration of potential legislation is limited. Staff is bringing this matter to the Board at this time so that the County’s legislative position and priorities can be communicated during the remaining legislative discussions.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Staff costs associated with review of the legislation and preparation of this report are being absorbed within existing departmental budgets.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to provide direction on the County’s legislative position regarding potential State legislation. This alternative is not recommended because the remaining State legislative timeframe provides limited opportunity for the County to influence the content of potential legislation before it is introduced and considered by the Legislature.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrator’s Office, Department of Resource Management, and County Counsel have participated in discussions around potential legislation. County staff has also engaged with the Governor’s Office, Senator Christopher Cabaldon, Assemblymember Lori Wilson, California Forever and its consultants, and their respective staffs.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION