US Senator from Pennsylvania Arlen Specter, a longtime ally of the Port of Philadelphia, visited the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority's Packer Avenue Marine Terminal to reiterate his continuing support of Philadelphia's working waterfront, in particular his support of the 45-foot Channel Deepening Project. The project, which seriously advanced this past spring when Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell and New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine ironed out lingering disagreements between the two states about the project, remained viable for the past several years in large part due to Senator Specter's protection of the federal funding portion of the project during senate budget sessions.
Comparing the resolution with New Jersey to a late-inning rally by the Philadelphia Phillies, Senator Specter said, "Pennsylvania went head to head with its critics in New Jersey, and Pennsylvania won. And I'm here today to tell you that I'm still going to be doing my part to get this project done."
Joining Senator Specter during his visit to the Port was his new senate colleague US Senator from Pennsylvania Bob Casey, Jr., as well as US Congressman from Pennsylvania Robert Brady and Pennsylvania State Representative William Keller. PRPA Chairman Brian Preski, Esq. acted as Master of Ceremonies during the event, which was witnessed by over 200 members of the International Longshoremen's Association, Teamsters, and Building Trades unions, their leadership, as well as scores of maritime industry officials.
The Delaware River Channel-Deepening Project will deepen the river's main shipping channel from 40 to 45 feet, allowing larger cargo vessels to arrive and depart at the Port of Philadelphia. Over 100,000 new family-sustaining jobs will be created as a result of the deeper channel.
The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PRPA) has been identified as the local manager/local funding source for this federal project.
