Bidding resumes for Southport Philadelphia box terminal

PENNSYLVANIA governor Edward Rendell has re-set the bidding process after last year's tender process fell victim to financing freezes on a project estimated to cost US$2 billion to $3 billion of which includes dredging on the Delaware River channel that runs 102 miles to Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority will work alongside Pennsylvania state authorities to create a major terminal at the former location of the Philadelphia Navy Yard on the Delaware River to be called Southport, Pennsylvania reports Hampshire-based Dredging News.

The Democratic governor has kept the project alive during 2009 by earmarking $25 million in capital funds towards fund environmental studies, permitting, land acquisition, geotechnical work, site preparation, utility analysis and site access work.

Despite last year's impediments to dredging, work on Delaware that involves increasing depth to 45 feet from the existing 40 feet for the 102 miles to Philadelphia has continued despite resistance from environmental groups after a Delaware judge has approved work by US Army Corps of Engineers.

(Source: www.schednet.com)