A project to deepen the Delaware River’s navigable channel is now full steam ahead, according to Senator Bob Casey.
Sen. Casey’s office announced today that the large, multiyear project is set to receive the $55 million needed to finish deepening 102 miles of the Delaware River’s navigation channel from 40 feet to 45 feet: $21.875 million is included in the Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan for fiscal year 2016, and another $33.135 million is included in President Barack Obama’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2017, says Casey spokesperson Jacklin Rhoads.
The remaining two segments to be dredged in the ten-stage, seven-year $360 million project are an 11 mile stretch between Chester in Delaware County and Wilmington, DE, and around 24 miles in the Delaware Bay. The project has been touted as a way to improve the Port of Philadelphia’s competitiveness: A deeper channel will allow larger vessels to travel up river.