Rendell hails Delaware dredging project

June 26, 2008

News – June 26, 2008

Governor Edward G Rendell has hailed the signing of a historic agreement that will officially begin a five-year, US$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 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, speaking earlier this week. “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 40ft 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, 45ft 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.”