The San Francisco Bay Area’s former military bases, all of which are in the process of being converted to civilian use, offer unique opportunities as water transit sites. These bases also have transportation and access challenges that, if they are to reach their fullest potential for economic conversion, will most effectively be addressed by water as well as land-based infrastructure improvements. Of thirteen such facilities in the region (excluding Onizuka Air Station, which remains operational), twelve occupy bayfront property encompassing nearly 11,000 dry acres of land. The fact that these bases have ample land available for terminal facilities and their supporting infrastructure holds an important key to their future development. Identified by their current designations, the former base properties with water frontage are:

Alameda Point (Alameda)

Hamilton (Novato)

Hunter’s Point (San Francisco)

Mare Island (Vallejo)

Moffett Federal Airfield (Mountain View/Sunnyvale)

Oakland Army Base (Oakland)

Oakland Harbor Transportation Center (Oakland)

Point Molate (Richmond)

Presidio (San Francisco)

Treasure Island (San Francisco)

The availability of property on these former bases for redevelopment offers major opportunities for the establishment of ferry terminals. Communities where the former bases are located place high priority on the conversion of those facilities to productive commercial and other use. In line with this priority, the location of major transit nodes on the former bases is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic activity that will accelerate the development of business and housing on base properties well beyond the terminals themselves. Terminal facilities can be expected to stimulate the development of new road infrastructure and public access linking the bases with other communities and with the region’s larger transportation network. Terminals will provide a catalyst for commercial development on-site or in immediately adjacent areas, and will increase the attractiveness of the former bases for both commercial and residential development.

Development of terminals on the bases offers a further opportunity to implement "sustainable development" practices in the region. Higher density infill in the Bay Area’s urban core (i.e., in areas located near the Bay itself) is a key component in the region’s emerging strategy to address the related problems of inadequate workforce housing, urban spread, extended commute patterns, and environmental pollution caused by mobile sources. The location of housing closer to major public transit points is another key element in this strategy. The siting of terminals on the former bases can contribute to development patterns regionally, and on base properties themselves. that contribute to the region’s broader sustainable development goals. Local Reuse Authorities responsible for the conversion of the bases within their respective communities indicate strong support for water transit. Water access will also support and enhance the viability of enterprises already located on the former bases.

Because of its central location near Silicon Valley employment centers, Moffett Field is projected to be a major hub for water transit, serving the area between Redwood City and San Jose.

Several former bases are positioned to become attractive destinations for recreation and tourism. Many of the former bases have potential for development as military history attractions. The Presidio and East Fort Baker, in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, offer a number of prime attractions for recreational service. With its spectacular views and central location in the Bay, Treasure Island is poised to become a significant tourist destination. Because of its proximity to the major urban centers of San Francisco and Oakland and limited access from the Bay Bridge, its viability will be closely linked to water access. Historic buildings and its proximity to attractions such as Marine World and Napa Valley make Mare Island a potential tourist declaration. Access to the aircraft carrier Hornet at Alameda Point will draw visitors to that location as well. Museum and related facilities being planned for Moffett Field will in future years be a major visitor draw. Combined commuter, business and recreational ridership will spread traffic to many of these sites throughout the day, enhancing their viability as transit centers.

A world-class water transit fleet operating on San Francisco Bay will require extensive maintenance. This opens the possibility that a substantial portion of the vessels operating as part of that system can be built in the Bay Area, reviving the region’s shipbuilding and maintenance industry. Because of their historic use as shipbuilding centers, Mare Island and Hunter’s Point are the most likely sites to locate major shipbuilding and maintenance facilities. Alameda Point and Moffett Field are among the likely sites for light maintenance. Regional shipbuilding and maintenance facilities can be expected to generate hundreds of high-paying jobs, bringing major employment benefits to communities already impacted by base closures.