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Released: 1/22/2009
DRPA Approves “Greening” The Ports
The Delaware River Port Authority is taking the next step aimed at combating a major source of air pollution in the Delaware Valley. The Board of Commissioners has approved hiring an internationally known company which develops environmental projects and initiatives designed to cut down on green house gases by using alternative fuel sources in Port operations. The DRPA is joining with the South Jersey Port Corporation and the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority in leading the way to address a major source of global warming.
The DRPA Board has selected Weston Solutions of West Chester, Pennsylvania, to develop a comprehensive Green Ports Initiative. The contract amount is $488,892.10.
The three organizations, along with environmental advocacy groups, have been working together to select a consultant who will review operations at DRPA, SJPC and PRPA facilities and will recommend short and long term alternatives for making port and transportation operations more environmentally friendly.
The Green Ports Initiative will assist all three agencies in creating a cooperative approach to develop environmental programs and projects aimed at reducing harmful environmental impacts as well as reducing energy consumption.
DRPA Chairman Designee, John Estey, says “this is a great project for the region since the end result will be the reduction of harmful environmental impacts.”
DRPA Vice-Chair, Jeff Nash, says “the project is similar to what’s taking place in Long Beach, California, where electric power is replacing diesel fuel to reduce a major source of pollution. The project has worked well in Long Beach and we expect similar results in our ports.”
DRPA CEO, John J. Matheussen, says “by working with our port partners on both sides of the river we will make improvements that will positively affect the environment and the quality of life of our residents.”
The funding for the consultant comes from the dredging agreement reached with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. New Jersey will be spending its entire share on waterfront environmental projects.
The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross Bridges, and PATCO, the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal and the RiverLink Ferry.
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