PORT: Bipartisan Efforts Land Federal Funds To Deepen Channel

GOV. TOM CORBETT has been instrumental in keeping Delaware River Main-Channel Deepening Project moving. He is seen here at Packer Avenue Marine Terminal announcing release of millions of dollars in state funds to deepen channel. Governor’s announcement brought about release of additional funds for project by the US Army Corps of Engineers and Obama Administration. Seen with him are PRPA Chairman Charles Kopp, far left; former US Senator and continuing dredging proponent Arlen Specter next to Kopp; and Packer Avenue Marine Terminal operator Tom Holt, Jr., far right.

Gov. Tom Corbett and key leaders this week praised Pennsylvania’s US congressional delegation for their hard work in securing additional federal funding for the dredging of the Delaware River and joining the state’s efforts in continuing this critical project for Southeastern Pennsylvania.

“By investing in the future of the Port of Philadelphia, we are saving existing jobs and creating tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the region and the state,” said Corbett. “Working with our federal partners, we have now secured more than $60 million for this project since I took office.”

The Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project is now sure to move forward, with the next round of major activity commencing this summer.

The Governor would like to congratulate and thank US Sens. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Congressmen Bob Brady (D-Phila.) and Patrick Meehan (R-Delco) and the entire Pennsylvania congressional delegation for their hard work and great success in keeping this project moving. Approved by the House of Representatives last week was $29.4 million as part of the Environmental & Water Appropriations Act. It is expected to meet with speedy US Senate approval.

“I am committed to ensuring Pennsylvania’s place in our global economy. This project is an important step in keeping our markets open to international trade,” said Corbett. The dredging project will deepen the Delaware River’s entire 103-mile main shipping channel from 40 to 45 feet. This long-planned work will ensure the Port of Philadelphia can accommodate larger ships and compete with other ports, particularly The Port of New York and New Jersey and the Port of Baltimore.

Brady graciously accepted the Governor’s praise. “I’ve worked on this issue since the first day I was elected to the House. And I am immensely proud of the bipartisan, tri-state support, and the support of the President and the Army Corps that led to passage of this appropriation.”

“I appreciate the support of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in passing this significant funding,” said Meehan. “Thousands of jobs and the economic growth of our region depend on this deepening project. As the only port on the East Coast restricted to a 40-foot shipping channel, our region is put at a disadvantage. Deepening the channel will allow our region to stay competitive and create and retain much-needed jobs.”

The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority and its Executive Director James T. McDermott, Jr. commend the many supporters of the project, all of whom were instrumental in making the long-planned deepening a reality.

“Throughout this supplement, you’ll see the names of so many of the key players behind what is the most important initiative at the Port of Philadelphia at this time,” said McDermott. “I especially want to single out five people: Sen. Bob Casey, Congressmen Pat Meehan and Bob Brady, Gov. Tom Corbett and State Rep. Bill Keller. Without reducing in any way the importance of our many other allies, I must specifically acknowledge these five gentlemen for the many uphill battles they’ve fought on behalf of the Port community on this issue.”

In February, Corbett advanced $15 million at a critical juncture to maintain the momentum of the project. He publicly supported the project in his budget address as well. Thanks to repeated requests from Casey and Brady, President Obama included $31 million for the deepening in his budget. The Pennsylvania delegation successfully maintained almost all of the money during the highly charged legislative process.

The ongoing fight for funding and the organization of the effort has been led by PRPA Chairman Charles G. Kopp. On a daily basis — literally — Kopp has kept everyone’s focus on the prize: deepening the shipping channel to 45 feet. Moreover, Kopp has been instrumental in securing unprecedented cooperation at the highest levels of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. “Frankly, without Charlie Kopp, who’s been out there daily promoting the issue and skillfully coordinating our many allies, we simply would not have gotten as far as we have. Gov. Corbett certainly knew what he was doing when he named Charlie Kopp our chairman,” said McDermott.

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