Google's barge arrived in Stockton, Thursday morning, and the company has finally disclosed why it moved the vessel from the Bay Area to the new location: warm weather and asparagus.
"It's been a busy six months for our barge and it's grown tired of all the attention, so we are moving it to Stockton where it can have a break, enjoy the city's delicious asparagus and warmer climate, and get a bit of rest before its next chapter," Google said in an email.
The statement followed questions over why Google moved the barge to the Port of Stockton. The company will pay $12,000 per month to lease a pier there, but has avoided providing details over what exactly the barge will be used for.
Plans for the barge have even eluded Port of Stockton Director Richard Aschieris, who claims not to know what Google is up to.
"As a management style, I stay out of the operations of our customers," Aschieris said. "Our relationship is a business relationship. In good time, we'll probably all know and learn together."
Google was asked to leave the Bay Area since it didn't have proper permits to construct the barge in the first place. Reports have indicated that the barge will, at some point, be used as a floating showroom for Google products.
Meanwhile, residents of Stockton are hoping that the barge's arrival will bring new interest into the city, which they report as having a negative image and struggling economy.
"There are a lot of good things in Stockton," said resident Susan Filios. "And good people. We deserve this."
People around the world have developed interest in the barge since news broke last year that the four-story, floating structure was being built at Treasure Island in the San Francisco Bay. Theories about its use ranged from aquatic store to party boat, but the Associated Press reported Google said it would serve as an interactive technology center.
Jeff Michael, director of the Business Forecasting Center at University of the Pacific, said new construction at the port and the cost of the agreement would bring minimal economic activity. But he noted that a general association with Google is a positive thing for the city.
County officials have been attempting to encourage Bay Area businesses and Silicon Valley tech firms to expand or relocate to San Joaquin County. The Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau expects people will visit the city to see the barge.
