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Released: 12/10/2008
DRPA Takes Next Step Toward “Greening” the Ports
The Delaware River Port Authority Projects Committee today took the next step toward “greening” the ports by approving the selection of Weston Solutions of West Chester, Pa, in the amount of $488,892.10 to develop a comprehensive Green Ports Initiative for the Delaware River Port Authority, along with the South Jersey Port Corporation and the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority. A full Board vote is expected to take place at the January Board meeting.
Over the last few months, the three organizations worked together to select a consultant, who will review operations at DRPA, SJPC and PRPA facilities in order to recommend short term and long term alternatives for making port and transportation operations more environmentally friendly. A few examples of greening solutions that may be explored include energy/water conservation, electric or alternative fuel vehicles and equipment, renewable sources of energy (solar and wind installations), new technologies and innovations in logistics processes (traffic management controls, congestion mitigation) and green buildings/facilities.
The Green Ports Initiative will assist all three agencies in creating a cooperative approach to develop environmental programs and projects aimed at reducing or neutralizing the impact of port operations upon the environment and the surrounding community.
“Through this Green Ports Initiative, we hope to establish a framework of innovative and cost effective alternatives that each port can consider to reduce harmful environmental impacts,” said DRPA Chairman Designee John Estey.
“We worked very hard to engage not only our port partners but also leaders of the environmental community to proceed strategically and deliberately with the “Green Ports” initiative in an effort to avoid wasting time and money, to ensure that the product developed passes scientific and public scrutiny,” said DRPA Vice Chairman Jeff Nash.
“DRPA has a long-standing commitment to clean air, clean water and sustainable development, said DRPA Chief Executive Officer John J. Matheussen. “Today’s Board action helps further our commitment to improve the environment in which we live, work and play.”
DRPA, SJPC and PRPA join other port operators such as Port Authority of NY/NJ and the Port of Long Beach in California in taking real steps to “green” America’s ports.
The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation and development agency. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross bridges, PATCO, the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal and the RiverLink Ferry.
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