Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell's has blocked a plan to build a food distribution centre on the Navy Yard following protests that the move would have “jeopardized a major container facility at the Navy Yard area, as well as block access to the three Class 1 railroads that call at Philadelphia's waterfront”.
The Maritime Stakeholders Group has welcomed the announcement as "the first step in developing the world-class international Port of Philadelphia".
The comments on behalf of the group, which represents a cross-section of organizations involved in promoting the development of the Port of Philadelphia into an area known as Southport, were made by Uwe Schulz, President of the Ports of the Delaware River Marine Trade Association (PMTA), which represents maritime employers of International Longshoremen's Association labour.
"Governor Rendell said in March that if industry and private investor interest in the site was shown, he would reconsider the FDC relocation to the Southport area," said Mr Schulz. He added: "Now, we must all work together to ensure this will truly be the start of a incredible development that will only serve to benefit our region, state and allow us a major role in globalization. We are optimistic this move will provide a foundation for returning jobs to a shrinking employment market here and allow our region to take a significant role in world trade."
The Maritime Stakeholders Group has welcomed the announcement as "the first step in developing the world-class international Port of Philadelphia".
The comments on behalf of the group, which represents a cross-section of organizations involved in promoting the development of the Port of Philadelphia into an area known as Southport, were made by Uwe Schulz, President of the Ports of the Delaware River Marine Trade Association (PMTA), which represents maritime employers of International Longshoremen's Association labour.
"Governor Rendell said in March that if industry and private investor interest in the site was shown, he would reconsider the FDC relocation to the Southport area," said Mr Schulz. He added: "Now, we must all work together to ensure this will truly be the start of a incredible development that will only serve to benefit our region, state and allow us a major role in globalization. We are optimistic this move will provide a foundation for returning jobs to a shrinking employment market here and allow our region to take a significant role in world trade."