Monday, February 01, 2010
Chamber Supports Dredging the Main Channel of Delaware River
Posted at 10:24 AM
After last week’s decision by U.S. District Judge Sue L. Robinson to allow Delaware River dredging to start without state permits, Rob Wonderling, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, and Chairman, CEO Council for Growth, released the following statement expressing renewed support in favor of dredging:
Ten years ago, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce expressed its support for dredging the main channel of Delaware River from 40 to 45 feet.
Today, our position is the same. And we are pleased that it appears this region’s commercial ports in three states may finally be able to compete for new business.
Dredging the main channel from 40 to 45 feet will allow the Delaware River ports to accommodate today’s larger ships carrying more cargo, reducing the cost of moving cargo through the ports and enhancing their competitiveness. And the benefit of remaining competitive will flow across county and state lines.
We say that we are working to keep Greater Philadelphia competitive in the global marketplace. This is not lip service.
In 2014 – just four years from now – the Panama Canal will be open to larger container ships. Other ports along the East Coast are preparing to welcome these larger ships: the Port of Virginia (Norfolk) is already at 50-foot depth. The Port of New York and New Jersey is on track to finish dredging its main channels to 50 feet by 2013. Through a public-private partnership, the Port of Baltimore will build a 50-foot-deep berth.
To remain competitive, we must be at 45 feet (at least). Delaware's two largest shippers, Dole Fresh Fruit Co. and Chiquita Brands International Inc., expect it. Our elite, tri-state logistics industry needs it. Our employees and citizens rightfully demand it. .
We urge the region’s three governors to work cooperatively to dispose of the dredging materials in a safe and responsible manner. We know they, too, want Greater Philadelphia to continue to get its share of international shipping and jobs it provides. Before another 10 years passes, let’s get down to 45 feet as fast as possible.