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.