Keystone Today

The Wolf Administration has made making improvements at the Port of Philadelphia (Philaport) a priority during this time in office, and recently Gov. Tom Wolf and U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) celebrated $20.3 million in federal grant money that was used to construct a state-of-the-art warehouse at Tioga Marine Terminal.

Wolf’s office released a statement on Oct. 14 noting that this year there have been $246 million in state investments going to Philaport for improvements. Wolf has invested more than $539 million into Philaport in total.

“The port is an economic powerhouse not just for the Philadelphia region, but for all of Pennsylvania,” Wolf said. “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 Senator Casey, who are willing to fight for Pennsylvania jobs and Pennsylvania infrastructure.”

The Wolf Administration has made several moves to improve Philaport including installing three new super post-Panamax cranes at the Packer Avenue Marine terminal, building two warehouses and developing the Southport Auto Terminal, which is the first new port terminal in 45 years. 

Philaport Executive Director and CEO Jeff Theobald said the most recent grant is helpful by creating much needed warehouse capacity and keeping up with the growing demands of the port.

“We receive calls daily from shippers looking for dry storage,” Theobald said. “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.”

Since Wolf has made infrastructure investments there have been thousands of jobs created and a 60% container growth. The port also welcome Wan Hai Lines for its maiden call to Philadelphia, making it the first time ever Pennsylvania has been involved in trade with Asian countries like 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.”

Sen. Casey said Philaport is a critical link in the nation’s supply chains. He said that it helps create and sustain jobs, while also helping the state’s economy.

“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,” Casey said. “The Biden Administration and Democrats in Congress are going to keep delivering for Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania’s economy.”