Congressman Andrews joins state and local officials to break ground on Paulsboro port

Paulsboro, NJ – Today, the town of Paulsboro and Gloucester County took a major step toward economic rebirth as officials joined to break ground on the Paulsboro Marine Terminal, a new 175-acre general cargo terminal that is expected to be a bustling hub of economic growth by 2012. Congressman Rob Andrews joined Governors Jon Corzine and James Florio, Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney, Paulsboro Mayor John Burzichelli and other county and local officials to celebrate the commencement of the first phase of this enormous project. This venture is the result of a true team effort, led by the South Jersey Port Corporation and the Gloucester County Improvement Authority.  Congressman Andrews was pleased to lend his support by securing over $1 million in federal funding to make the plan a reality. 

Not only does the terminal revitalize land that many perceived as being unproductive and desolate, but the transformation of this brownfield site is expected to create over 500 immediate construction jobs, employ more than 2,000 people, and sustain up to 20,000 indirect jobs throughout the region. Located on the banks of Mantua Creek, the port is only minutes from I-295, rail service, Philadelphia International Airport and the 40-foot Delaware channel, placing Paulsboro’s port at the center of a world-leading trade district. Additionally, by increasing activity along the port, the project will boost Paulsboro’s local economy by attracting more retail stores and restaurants to serve the new influx of workers. 

The Congressman highlighted that as our country faces its highest unemployment rate in 25 years, economic development projects like the Paulsboro Marine Terminal will provide much needed opportunities during the current tight job market.

"People don't want elected officials to talk about fixing this problem; they want us to fix it. And today is an example of what fixing the economic problems of this country looks like," said Congressman Andrews.

While our region's economic recovery will not occur overnight, the Stimulus bill’s near $360 million investment in South Jersey has funded projects just like this that have begun to set our region on the course of economic prosperity.

###
 

Return to the Washington Updates Page