Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3 million grant to the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for infrastructure upgrades needed to boost offloading capacity at the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal. This EDA project, to be matched with $8.3 million in local funds, is expected to create 100 jobs and generate $9 million in private investment.
“The Biden Administration is committed to ensuring that our communities receive the resources they need to diversify and grow their economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will provide the infrastructure upgrades needed to increase the capacity of the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal to make loading and offloading procedures more efficient and cost-effective.”
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority as they seek to grow the region’s infrastructure capabilities and economic competitiveness,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will provide for the purchase and installation of two electric cranes capable of loading and offloading from both sides of a vessel, saving time and resources.”
“This EDA funding combined with the local match brings a major investment to the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority and the community as a whole,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “With this grant, the Port Authority will be able to implement infrastructure updates necessary to boost its capabilities in a more productive way while bringing new jobs to Philadelphia to support increased loading and offloading activity.”
“The Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration is awarding $3 million to modernize operations at Packer Avenue Marine Terminal, which will bolster capacity and create jobs,” said Senator Bob Casey. “I have long supported efforts to add and protect maritime jobs in Southeastern Pennsylvania and I remain committed to supporting our state’s maritime industry. The Biden Administration is helping Philadelphia to build back better, strengthening our regional economy and investing in our workers.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). EDA funds DVRPC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.