Keystone Today

The Port of Philadelphia (Philaport) is a major piece of the U.S. supply chain, and Gov. Tom Wolf recently announced that a new 100,000 square-foot warehouse will be built at the Tioga Marine Terminal to assist a growing demand for goods.

According to a news release Sept. 15 from Wolf's office, Philaport has been awarded $20.3 million that will go toward the construction of the warehouse and various upgrades. The funds are through the Biden administration, from the U.S. Department of Transportation's 2022 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program. It is designed to help the port not only meet a growing demand, but also attract more business. Construction is scheduled to start in 2024.

“The Port of Philadelphia is a critical link in our nation’s supply chains," U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) said in the release. "By increasing capacity at the port, we’re allowing more commerce to flow through Philadelphia, getting goods to families more efficiently and supporting local jobs. This is another example of how the Biden administration is delivering on its promise to invest in our infrastructure and strengthen our economy.” 

Wolf called the port a “significant hub for global trade” and said it plays a critical role in the strength of the economy. 

“This funding from the Biden administration builds on investments of state, federal and private dollars, and, as a result, the port now has the capacity and efficiency to compete on the world stage,” Wolf said. “A public-private partnership that truly works, the Port of Philadelphia and its men and women in labor have a lot to celebrate.” 

The project is a collaboration between the terminal operator, Delaware River Stevedores and Philaport, according to the release. 

Philaport Executive Director and CEO Jeff Theobald said the grant will allow the port to meet the needs of the market and also increase capacity for warehouse space. Tioga Marine Terminal will have more than 800,000 square feet of on-dock warehousing when the project is done. This will help with the increase of demand in lumber products, steel, pulp and project cargo, he noted.

“We receive calls daily from shippers looking for dry storage,” Theobald said in the 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 project also includes a new cargo capture, improved truck circulation, safety and security improvements, environmental improvements as truck idling will be reduced due to increased efficiency and the conversion of cargo from trucks to rail.

The safety improvements include completing and modernizing the gate at the entrance of the terminal. This will not only help with efficiency, but also reduce emissions.

“Safety of our labor force is paramount,” said Jerry Sweeney, chairman of PhilaPort board of directors, said in the release. “With a modernized gate and approach to the terminal we can ensure that both the port and public are protected as the port continues to grow.”

More than $539 million in the Philaport infrastructure, warehouse and equipment has been invested since 2016. Other major investments included three super post-Panamax cranes at Packer Avenue Marine terminal, creating two new warehouses and the development of the Southport Auto Terminal. 

Since improving infrastructure, Philaport has enjoyed a record container growth of 60% and created thousands of jobs.