Delaware River Channel Deepening Project

In June 2008, an agreement was signed between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority to begin a five-year, $379-million project to deepen the Delaware River’s shipping channel. The deeper channel, which is being increased from 40 to 45 feet, will allow ports on the Delaware River to compete more effectively for cargo, provide safe passage for vessels and increase jobs in the region. Approximately 26 million cubic yards of dredging material will be removed, 7.4 million cubic yards of which will be used for wetland creation and beach nourishment.