Region’s Largest Jobs Project is on the Cusp of Final Phase - Administration’s Decision on Funding Will Be Critical / Since 2007, Casey Has Worked to Secure Millions for Delaware Deepening Project / Port of Philadelphia Supports 8,100 Direct Jobs, 30,000 Indirect Jobs- Region’s Two Largest Ports Produce Over $1 Billion in Revenue
Philadelphia, PA- With only the final phase to go, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), joined by key stakeholders and business leaders from the region, called for the Administration to invest in the deepening project in the upcoming months so the project can meet its 2017 completion deadline. The region’s largest jobs project is on the cusp of its final phase and an upcoming funding decision by the Administration will be critical. Since 2007, Casey has worked to secure millions in funding for the Delaware deepening project. The Port of Philadelphia supports 8,100 direction jobs and 30,000 indirect jobs.
“The deepening of the Delaware River Main channel will create and retain tens of thousands of jobs in Philadelphia and the entire region,” Senator Casey said. “To date, I’ve helped to secure $187.4 million for this project, and I will continue to advocate for its timely completion. With tens of thousands of jobs at stake, I will continue to work with the Administration to finish the Delaware River Main Channel Deepening Project.”
Senator Casey’s letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shaun Donovan is below:
The Honorable Shaun Donovan
Office of Management and Budget
725 17th Street Northwest
Washington, District of Columbia 20503
Dear Director Donovan:
I write to express my sincere gratitude for your support for the Delaware River Deepening Project. I also ask that the Administration continue to invest in this critical project and ensure that the project receives the remaining funding to ensure it is completed on time. As you know, this project received $97.5 million in the recent Army Corps Work Plan which will cover work in Fiscal Year 2015 and Fiscal Year 2016. This funding will be an important step toward advancing the project toward its target completion in 2017.
With the upcoming completion of the expansion of the Panama Canal, I remain committed to ensuring that Philadelphia is able to receive Post-Panamax vessels. It is crucial that the Administration continue to invest in this project that will help catalyze economic growth and jobs in the Philadelphia region. Furthermore, continued investment at this phase will ensure that the Port of Philadelphia is able to remain competitive with other ports and position our region for the future.
Thank you for your consideration of this request and your continued commitment to the Delaware River Deepening Project. I look forward to continuing to work with you to bring this important project closer to completion.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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