Top California state officials came to the Port of Oakland last week seeking support to fix an ailing transportation infrastructure. The visit coincides with a special session of the state legislature now looking at how to fund transportation improvements.

Without road and other transport improvements, said Gov. Jerry Brown, California’s economy is at risk.

“It’s fundamental that California be able to move goods and people in a modern, efficient way,” the governor told a press conference at the Port of Oakland headquarters. “This is critical to California prosperity.”

The transportation fixes being targeted by the legislature would target roads, highways, and infrastructure. “We can’t have a thriving economy if we can’t keep people and goods moving,” said state assembly speaker Toni Atkins.

Funding for everything from congestion relief to pothole repair is under discussion in Sacramento, the governor said. The outcome will be particularly important for the Port of Oakland. The port handles 99 percent of the containerized goods moving through Northern California. Much of that trade is carried by trucks on roads leading in and out of the port.

“Our infrastructure is aging and in need of public and private investment to help ports and other parts of the supply chain remain competitive,” said Michael Colbruno, vice president of the Board of Port Commissioners. “We’re hopeful that the Legislature is on a path that again prioritizes freight and transportation solutions in its special session.”