San Francisco Leaders Announce Hunters Point Naval Shipyard Agreement

March 31, 2004

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, and Supervisor Sophie Maxwell today announced a final agreement with the Navy to govern the transfer the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard to the City of San Francisco.

This agreement puts on track the transfer of Parcel A to the City in the next few months. At Pelosi’s request, Congressman John Murtha of Pennsylvania, the ranking member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee that has oversight of Naval spending, helped shepherd the agreement through this last critical stage of the negotiations.

House Democratic Leader Pelosi said:

“This is a crucial agreement for the Bayview Hunters Point community, which establishes critical environmental protections. It is a strong step toward economic revitalization and opportunity, a safe environment, and a renewed sense of community.

“I have been working on this agreement for more than a decade, and I am proud we are near our goal. I thank Senators Feinstein and Boxer, Mayor Newsom, and former Mayor Willie Brown for their work on the Bayview Hunters Point Shipyard agreement. I also thank my good friend Congressman Jack Murtha for assisting us in this last round of negotiation.”

Mayor Gavin Newsom said:

“This agreement has been decades in the making and will finally result in the clean up and transfer of Hunters Point Shipyard. The shipyard, once developed, will be a great asset for the residents of the Bayview Hunters Point. Today’s announcement is important because, for the first time, we have the Navy’s signature on an agreement that ensures the conveyance will begin shortly. We look forward to the next meeting of the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency where they will be acting on the agreement.

“The people of San Francisco owe a special thanks to Leader Pelosi, Senators Feinstein and Boxer and former Mayor Brown for their efforts on our behalf. The city also extends its gratitude to Congress member John Murtha for his involvement in the negotiations.”

Senator Dianne Feinstein said:

“Hunters Point Naval Shipyard has been a point of contention since my days as a San Francisco Supervisor, with all sides fighting over the level of contamination at the base and who will pay for cleanup. This agreement is a significant breakthrough, and signals an end to the bickering that has gone on for a quarter of a century.

“The agreement means that the City can transform this former naval shipyard into a vibrant, vital part of Hunters Point. It will mean new jobs, new affordable housing, and help revitalize the community.”
Senator Barbara Boxer said:

“Today's agreement is a huge victory for the city of San Francisco and the communities surrounding Hunters Point Naval Shipyard. Today's historic achievement will lead to the productive reuse and redevelopment of this former military facility that has been closed since 1974.”

Supervisor Sophie Maxwell said:

"This agreement is the result of years of hard work by the community, and an unprecedented partnership among the community, the City, and our federal representatives. I am excited to bring good, community-oriented development to Bayview Hunters Point."

Background on the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard Final Conveyance Agreement

Following a final intensive round of negotiations, the Navy and the City have completed the Conveyance Agreement governing the transfer of the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard. This final round of negotiations clarified certain key terms and conditions in the Conveyance Agreement.

The Navy signed the agreement on March 31st and the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency is scheduled to consider the Conveyance Agreement in April.

As a result of this watershed agreement the City should be in a position to accept transfer of Parcel A (the first 78 acres of the Shipyard) in the next few months.

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