Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said his state’s investment of more than $371 million into the Port of Philadelphia will unlock another $466 million in private and federal support to help the port expand.
The PhilaPort has been consistently ranked as one of the most productive in the country, Shapiro said, and the $837 million expansion will allow the port to expand container capacity by 122 percent and expand auto capacity by 18 percent. The expansion will help the port create more than 6,000 new jobs and generate $45 million in state and local taxes.
“PhilaPort has a long and storied history that spans back over 300 years to the very founding of our Commonwealth,” Shapiro said. “It was here where goods produced in Philadelphia embarked for destinations around the globe, and today, the port remains a major player in global trade and a critical piece of our economy. My Administration is making a historic investment in PhilaPort to support the largest expansion in its history, allowing the port to significantly expand its capacity and create more than 6,000 jobs. This is a game changer for PhilaPort, and it builds on our work to grow the economy and create real opportunity for Pennsylvanians.”
Shapiro joined Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll along with other industry and labor leaders, and elected officials, to make the announcement. The expansion will use $31 million from the state to support dredging at the Southport Berth I; $145 million for reclamation work at Southport Berth II and the North Wharf; $109.4 million for land acquisition, and $58.1 million to support crane and equipment acquisition.
“PhilaPort is critical to Pennsylvania’s transportation network, connecting global trade to local communities, strengthening supply chains and supporting economic growth,” Carroll said.
The investment will release more than $200 million in private-sector investment and $266 million from the federal government. PhilaPort will use capital funding to leverage two U.S. Department of Transportation federal grants and construct a new 2,000 linear foot berth at the Southport Marine Terminal, as well as the purchase of the 152-acre Mustin Yard to create significant expansion opportunities for auto and container cargo.
The investment will also cover improvements at the Tioga Marine Terminal berth to better handle liquid bulk barges and breakbulk vessels, and support cargo handling capabilities.