City officials hope to create a 300-plus acre center for maritime activities in National City that will ripple through to the largely industrial businesses in the surrounding area. The Port began a dredging program of up to $4 million near where Sweetwater River runs into San Diego Bay. Preparing the marina for development is estimated to cost another $7 million.

City officials are already preparing the infrastructure: they've spent $3 million to widen Bay Marina Drive. A new boat landing and an extension of Harrison Avenue between Bay Marina Drive and 32nd Street are being completed.

The city and port don't yet have a developer in tow for the marina. The parties are hoping for a mix of retail and restaurants, along with a possible hotel and park, along with a possible school for wind-sailing and kayaking, on about 10 leasable acres. The Port has already spent $5 million to purchase that property.