WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a vital move to enhance the efficiency and longevity of Philadelphia’s port operations, four Pennsylvania lawmakers announced this week that the Port of Philadelphia (PhilaPort) will receive a substantial federal grant of $13,017,024. The funds come from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s INFRA program, which focuses on nationally significant multimodal freight and highway projects.
U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA), along with U.S. Representatives Brendan Boyle (D-PA-2) and Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-5), lauded the funding, which is set to improve the flow of freight through the port and extend the lifespan of port equipment by constructing a new bridge linking two essential terminals.
The grant is a direct result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a law that seeks to revitalize America’s infrastructure and create jobs. The lawmakers highlighted PhilaPort’s critical role in the supply chain, emphasizing its contribution to regional and national commerce.
Senator Casey said, “I fought for this funding because PhilaPort is a critical link in our region and our Nation’s supply chains. The commerce moving through this region’s waterways create and sustain good-paying union jobs and spur economic growth.”
Echoing these sentiments, Senator Fetterman added, “This $13 million for PhilaPort’s Packer Avenue Marine Terminal (PAMT) Connector Bridge project will continue to expand the capacity of the port and strengthen economic development and job creation in the region.”
The lawmakers’ announcement underscored the importance of investing in infrastructure to boost economic growth and ensure efficient supply chains. They emphasized that the funding would not only enhance the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal but also contribute to the overall economic growth and competitiveness of the community.
Representative Boyle, who voted for the federal infrastructure funding, said, “Our city relies heavily on our local ports. Investing in the modernization of the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal not only enhances our city and region’s supply chains but also contributes to the overall economic growth and competitiveness of our community.”
Rep. Scanlon highlighted the impact of the grant on regional freight transportation needs, job creation, and cost reduction for consumers and businesses.
The funding for PhilaPort is a significant investment in Pennsylvania’s infrastructure, offering an essential boost to the port’s operations. It demonstrates the potential of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to strengthen supply chains, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. As the project unfolds, it will be critical to monitor how these funds enhance PhilaPort’s capacity and contribute to the economic development of the region.
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