Philly Leader

Last week, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that the Port of Philadelphia, also known as PhilaPort, received a $20.3 million federal grant to build a 100,000-square-foot warehouse and address safety and efficiency concerns at the Tioga Marine Terminal.

Construction for the project is set to begin in 2024, according to a Thursday press release. The funding was made possible through the U.S. Department of Transportation 2022 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant program. The new warehouse will help address growing demand needs and also attract additional business to the port.

“A significant hub for global trade, PhilaPort is an important link in the supply chain and plays a critical role in strengthening our economy and our infrastructure, which is why I have prioritized investing in the port throughout my administration,” Wolf said. “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. A public-private partnership that truly works, the port of Philadelphia and its men and women in labor have a lot to celebrate today.” 

The construction of the project will mean the terminal has more than 800,000 square feet of warehousing. This helps with the recent increase in demand for project cargoes, steel, lumber and pulp.

“With this grant, PhilaPort is able to meet the demands of the current market and add much-needed capacity in the warehouse space,” said Jeff Theobald, PhilaPort executive director and CEO. “We receive calls daily from shippers looking for dry storage. With the construction of a new 100,000 square-foot warehouse, we will have the ability to attract new business, which will result in the creation of additional family-sustaining jobs for the region.”  

Safety improvements will include modernizing the gate at the entrance to the terminal. This will help with reducing emissions and addressing safety measures for both port and non-port-related people. 

“Safety of our labor force is paramount,” Jerry Sweeney, chairman of PhilaPort board of directors, said. “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.”

The project will improve truck circulation and terminal efficiencies, help the environment as truck idling will be reduced and cargo is being converted from truck to rail, and a new cargo capture being created.

“The port of Philadelphia is a critical link in our nation’s supply chains,” U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said. “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 has invested more than $539 million in the port since 2016, including infrastructure, building warehouses, and enhancing or purchasing equipment. This includes three new super post-Panamax cranes at the Packer Avenue Marine terminal, as well as constructing two new warehouses and creating the Southport Auto Terminal, which was the first new port terminal in 45 years. The investments have led to the creation of thousands of new jobs, and cargo volumes have increased by 60%, which is a record for the state.