Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Praises Bipartisan Effort to Secure Funding for Delaware River Dredging

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today praised Pennsylvania's U.S. congressional delegation for their hard work in securing additional federal funding for the dredging of the Delaware River and joining the state's efforts in continuing this critical project for southeastern Pennsylvania.

"By investing in the future of the Port of Philadelphia, we are saving existing jobs and creating tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs for the region and the state," said Corbett.  "Working with our federal partners we have now secured more than $60 million for this project since I took office."

The Governor would like to congratulate and thank U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, U.S. Rep. Bob Brady (PA-01), U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan (PA-07) and the entire Pennsylvania congressional delegation for their hard work and great success in keeping this project moving.

"I am committed to ensuring Pennsylvania's place in our global economy.  This project is an important step in keeping our markets open to international trade," said Corbett. 

The project will deepen the Delaware River's entire 103-mile main shipping channel from 40 to 45 feet. This long-planned work will ensure the Port of Philadelphia can accommodate larger ships and compete with other ports, particularly The Port of New York and New Jersey and the Port of Baltimore.

Media contact:  Kevin Harley, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor