USA: Congressman Hails Progress in Delaware River Deepening Project

U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan yesterday joined federal, state and local leaders at the Port of Philadelphia to discuss progress on the deepening of the Delaware River Main Shipping Channel.

The River’s deepening is poised to go forward thanks to $29.4 million in new federal funding for the project approved by the House of Representatives.

Meehan was joined yesterday by Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PRPA) Chairman Charles Kopp, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, U.S. Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey, and U.S. Rep. Bob Brady (PA-01), among others.

“The future of the economy along the Delaware River and throughout our region depends a great deal on the deepening project. It will create and sustain thousands of jobs, bring enormous economic benefits to our region, and improve safety along the ports — all while protecting the environment,” Meehan said.

“Getting this far was a real team effort, and it proves that Democrats and Republicans can work together for real solutions for our community,” continued Meehan. “I’m particularly grateful to my House colleagues Rep. Brady and Rep. Fattah for their leadership. There is still more work to be done to get this funding through to the President’s desk. I know I join the Governor, our Senators, the Mayor and all local leaders in pledging to stay committed until we see this project through to the finish line. Thousands of jobs and the economic growth of our region depend on it.”

Since coming to Congress, Meehan has been a leader in the fight to deepen the Delaware River shipping channel. Meehan appealed to the President and met with congressional committee leaders to garner their support of the project, citing the economic growth and sustainable job creation that it will bring to the region. Meehan also met with local leaders in the business and labor communities, as well as senior officials from the Philadelphia District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to help push the project forward.

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Dredging Today Staff, August 8, 2012