Lehigh Times

Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA) and Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) visited the Port of Philadelphia (also known as PhilaPort) last week to celebrate a $20.3 million federal grant.

The funding was used to build a 100,000-square-foot warehouse at Tioga Marine Terminal, according to a news release from Wolf's office.

"The Port of Philadelphia is a critical link in our nation's supply chains — by moving commerce through this region, these waterways create and sustain good-paying union jobs and spur economic growth," Casey said in the news release. "The infrastructure law has already invested tens of millions of dollars in PhilaPort, including much of this $20 million grant for Tioga Marine Terminal, and this is just the beginning. The Biden administration and Democrats in Congress are going to keep delivering for Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania's economy."

Approximately $246 million in state funds were invested in PhilaPort this year "to continue modernization efforts and improve regional economic stability," the news release noted. 

"The port is an economic powerhouse not just for the Philadelphia region but for all of Pennsylvania," Wolf said in the news release. "This is a major hub for global trade and a crucial link in the supply chain for the goods that Pennsylvanians use every single day. An investment in a stronger port is an investment in better infrastructure, a stronger economy, and long-term stability for Pennsylvania. This is why it's so important for us to have leaders in Congress like Sen. Casey, who are willing to fight for Pennsylvania jobs and Pennsylvania infrastructure."

Jeff Theobald, executive director and CEO of PhilaPort, said the grant allowed the port to meet the growing demands of the current market and create much-needed warehouse space.

"We receive calls daily from shippers looking for dry storage," Theobald said in the news release. "With the construction of a new 100,000-square-foot warehouse, we will have the ability to attract new business that will result in the creation of additional family-sustaining jobs for the region."

The Wolf administration invested more than $539 million in total into PhilaPort, according to the news release. Improvements included installing three new Super Post-Panamax cranes at the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal, constructing two new state-of-the-art warehouses, and developing the Southport Auto Terminal. The first new port terminal in more than 45 years is a major hub for auto processing in the Northeast.

There was nearly 60% container growth at PhilaPort and thousands of jobs were created since Wolf began investing in the port's infrastructure, the news release noted. Wan Hai Lines completed its first trip to the city in August. This expanded Pennsylvania's trade with markets in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

"PhilaPort is now one of the fastest-growing ports in the United States," Wolf said. "And, when the port succeeds, all of Pennsylvania benefits from economic growth, more jobs, and stronger supply chains for the goods we all rely on every day."