Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell hailed the signing of a historic agreement that will officially begin a five-year, $379 million project to deepen the Delaware River's shipping channel, calling it a major milestone in ongoing efforts to expand commerce and enhance economic development in the region.
The partnership agreement between the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PRPA) represents a significant step forward in a 15-year effort to deepen the river's shipping channel. The agreement was signed by Assistant Secretary of the Army John Paul Woodley Jr. and PRPA Chairman John H. Estey.
"I consider this to be the most important project in the history of the Port of Philadelphia," said Governor Rendell. "Today is a major milestone for a project that will shape the future of maritime commerce on the Delaware River.
"With this agreement, we can say to every hard working man and woman in this region that the jobs on these piers are secure, and that more jobs are on the way. This project will make all of the Delaware River ports more viable in the long term, allowing our ports to retain current customers and to attract new cargo."
The agreement allows the US Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the PRPA, to increase by five feet the current 40-foot depth of the river's shipping channel from Camden's Beckett Street Terminal to the mouth of the Delaware Bay - a distance of 102 miles. The new, 45-foot channel depth will allow Delaware River ports to compete more effectively for cargo, to provide safe passage for vessels, and to increase jobs and cargo to the region.
"I am proud to represent the Army as we sign the Project Partnership Agreement. It has been a long time coming," said John Paul Woodley, Jr., Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works). "Some 25 years have passed since Congress first authorized a study of the channel, and 16 years since Congress authorized construction. We look forward to moving this project to the next phase."
Governor Rendell was joined at the agreement signing event by US Senator Arlen Specter and US Rep. Robert A. Brady.
"This agreement marks a very significant step for the Port of Philadelphia and the region," Senator Specter said. "I've worked on the matter since 1991 and it has been a brass-knuckle affair with thousands of jobs and billions of dollars at stake. Deepening the Delaware is indispensable to remaining competitive with other deep-water ports, and this is a great day for our region."
"This project will have a profound long-term effect on the Port of Philadelphia and on the entire region," said Congressman Robert A. Brady. "The Port of Philadelphia has always been a place where hard work and dedication can help Philadelphians secure a decent job with good wages. This agreement cements the future viability of the Port, and ensures those quality port-related jobs will be here for future generations."
"This agreement today is great news for Pennsylvania's economy," said US Senator Bob Casey, who was unable to attend the event. "The deepening project will allow more cargo to be transported in and out of the Port of Philadelphia. I look forward to working with Governor Rendell, Senator Specter, and the men and women of organized labor to continue strengthening the Port of Philadelphia."
The project will follow the current channel alignment 102 miles from Beckett Street Terminal to the mouth of the Delaware Bay. The existing channel widths (400 - 1,000 feet) will not change, though 12 of the existing 16 bends will be widened for safer navigation. Marcus Hook Anchorage will also be deepened to 45 feet.
"At 40 feet, the current depth of the channel is too shallow for many of the world's larger container vessels, putting Delaware River ports at a competitive disadvantage among the US East Coast ports," said PRPA Chairman John H. Estey, Esq. "A 45 foot shipping channel allows the region to compete on the same stage as other East
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