PRPA: Significant Progress at Southport

The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PRPA) has reported significant progress at the Southport Marine Terminal Complex, the first major expansion of the Port of Philadelphia in over 50 years.

A Request for Qualifications (RFQ), the next step in selecting one or more private-sector partners to develop the three parcels that comprise Southport, will be issued in September.

Gerard H. Sweeney, PRPA chairman, said: “The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania understands that investment in its transportation infrastructure, especially its port assets, is a critical component to grow global trade and create family-sustaining trades in our region. The Southport Marine Terminal Complex will be a substantial contributor to the regional economy.”

The RFQ process will be overseen by the PRPA Board of Directors and a team of experienced market advisors.

Team members include Ernst & Young  (financial issues); Hatch Mott MacDonald (technical issues); Martin Associates (port and economic impacts); Mayer Brown (legal issues); and Elliott Greenleaf (legal issues). PRPA, its board of directors and the market advisors will work together to launch the next phase: a transparent procurement process to identify the development plan or plans best suited for Southport.

Three waterfront sites collectively comprise the Southport complex: the Southport Marine Terminal site (119 acres); Southport West (75 acres); and Pier 124 North Berth, a 1,132-foot finger pier.

With the Commonwealth’s support, PRPA has already completed substantial pre-development work at the sites, especially in the area of improving access, in anticipation of private development.