Pennsylvania legislators secure more than $217M for PhilaPort

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On Friday, U.S. Sens. Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), Dwight Evans (D-PA-3), and Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2) announced the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PhilaPort) would receive more than $217 million to expand its SouthPort terminal.

Officials said the expansion will create a new space for ships and expand the terminal’s onloading and offloading capacity and efficiency. The funding is part of the National Infrastructure Project Assistance Program funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, officials said.

“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.” Casey said. “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.”

The money will fund infill construction to expand the port by approximately 10 acres. The investments will ensure the port can remain competitive and increase efficiency, officials said.

“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,” Fetterman said.