|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
CONTACT: Casey Kockler |
State Rep. Bill Keller |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Philadelphia Democrats team up with maritime groups
to expand Port of Philadelphia
HARRISBURG, April 24 – State Rep. Bill Keller, D-Phila., hosted a news conference in the state Capitol today to promote the expansion and development of the Port of Philadelphia.
Keller was joined by Rep. Tommy Blackwell, D-Phila., members of the Maritime Exchange, Ports of the Delaware River Marine Trade Association, and Paul F. Richardson Associates to discuss plans for the port. This is the first time in more than 30 years that any such coalition was formed to further the port’s interests.
The coalition came together to oppose plans proposed by the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority to relocate a food distribution center onto waterfront property, the last remaining parcel of port land. Instead, the maritime groups and representatives said the distribution center should be relocated elsewhere so the port can open a new containership facility.
Keller, a former longshoreman, said that by opening a containership facility on port property, it would increase the number of jobs in the area, and allow the Port of Philadelphia to become a leading port in the United States.
“The Port of Philadelphia needs to operate at its fullest extent,” Keller said. “Developing this land and building this containership facility would create 175,000 jobs in the city of Philadelphia. The potential for economic growth spurred by that amount of job development is undeniable.”
It was also noted that the Port of Philadelphia surpasses all ports in the United States based on its rail capabilities.
“Three class one rail lines run through the Philadelphia port area,” Keller said. “By building the food distribution center on the last remaining parcel of port land, it would cut off train access to the ports. Conversely, we can harness the power of those rail lines on port property and turn it into serious business.”
Blackwell added that the goal of the coalition is not to discourage the development of a food distribution center, but rather to relocate it elsewhere.
“By no means are we opposing the development of the distribution center. By developing both the center and the ports, we are guaranteeing hundreds of thousands of new jobs in Philadelphia. It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” Blackwell said.
During recent hearings, aides to Gov. Ed Rendell indicated he would reconsider the proposed food distribution center relocation if legitimate operators showed interest in building a containership facility instead.
###cnk/2007/bt
l:\print\releases\ philaportpc.184
Attention Radio News Directors: an actuality from Rep. Keller is available by calling 1-800-452-3001. Enter PA184 (7-2-184) and the pound sign (#) at the menu prompt to get today’s sound. You can also download the sound in .mp3 format by visiting www.pahouse.com/mediacenter.