Funding will expand port to increase shipping capacity and efficiency
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), Dwight Evans (D-PA-3), and Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2) announced the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PhilaPort) is receiving a total of $217,200,000 in funding to expand the operational capacity of the SouthPort terminal. The operational expansion will create a new space for ships and expand onloading and offloading capacity and efficiency. This award is from the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (MEGA) Program, which was created and funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
“The infrastructure law is helping the port transport more goods, which will create good jobs in Southeastern Pennsylvania. This game-changing investment in PhilaPort will ensure that the port remains a critical force in the Nation’s supply chain and the Commonwealth’s economy.” said Senator Casey. “I will always fight to improve our shipping hubs to ensure that the Commonwealth’s waterways boost economic growth and create and sustain good jobs.”
“I'm proud to see this $217 million funding coming to the SouthPort terminal. By expanding the terminal and increasing capacity, the Department of Transportation is investing in Pennsylvania as a leader in trade and infrastructure and supporting the communities that rely on these jobs every day. I thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their continued investment in Pennsylvania’s future,” said Senator Fetterman.
“The Port of Philadelphia is a critical driver of good-paying jobs for our regional economy. I’m so pleased to see this critical funding coming to our region to bring more cargo to the Port,” said Representative Scanlon.
“This funding will improve Philadelphia port infrastructure and will allow greater efficiency in handling and transporting goods. Most of all, this funding will create jobs by increasing trade, and enhancing global competitiveness. Philadelphia ports must always be kept updated and modernized to remain competitive in both the regional and global supply chain economy,” said Congressman Boyle.
“I was proud to vote for the Biden-Harris administration’s infrastructure and jobs law, and it’s again delivering for Philadelphia and the region with $217 million in federal funding – that is a major investment in our future!” said Congressman Evans.
The $217,200,000 investment from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This funding will expand the port’s operational capacity by creating more space to for vessels to dock at the port and increasing on and offloading efficiencies. Specifically, this funding will support the construction of a second berth which will improve the port’s ability to on and offload goods from ships. Additionally, the funding will support infill construction, which will expand the port by approximately ten acres. This port expansion will ensure that the port can remain a competitive and efficient shipping hub.
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