Pennsylvania Invests $837 Million to Expand Port of Philadelphia

Governor Josh Shapiro announced an $837 million public and private investment to fund the largest expansion in the history of the Port of Philadelphia, also known as PhilaPort. The funding package consists of $371.5 million from the state, $266 million in federal grants, and $200 million from private sources, including a $100 million commitment from Holt Logistics Corp.

The expansion focuses on increasing the port's competitiveness against other East Coast hubs through the Destination 2040 strategic plan. Key infrastructure projects include the construction of a 2,000 linear foot berth at Southport Marine Terminal—the first new berth in 50 years—and the development of the 152-acre Mustin Yard into a cargo and auto-handling facility. The plan also includes installing new ship-to-shore cranes at the Tioga Marine Terminal and conducting extensive dredging and reclamation work at the North Wharf and Southport berths.

These improvements are projected to increase container capacity by 122 percent and auto capacity by 18 percent. The expansion is expected to grow the port's workforce from 8,000 to 14,000 employees, creating more than 6,000 new jobs and generating $45 million in state and local taxes. Governor Shapiro stated the investment would provide Pennsylvania businesses with better access to raw materials and global markets, while Mayor Cherelle Parker described the move as a way to redefine the city's economic identity.