The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, has announced a series of significant investments to enhance navigational safety and efficiency at the Port of New York and New Jersey. This multifaceted package aims to fortify the port's infrastructure and support its crucial role in the national and global supply chain.
The investments include over $50 million from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund dedicated to berth maintenance dredging, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. These efforts will ensure that the port's berths remain clear and operational, supporting the continuous flow of goods and bolstering the port's overall efficiency.
In addition, a $32 million project will deepen and widen the Gravesend Anchorage outside the Kill van Kull waterway, increasing its depth from 47 feet to 50 feet. This enhancement will allow larger container ships to anchor closer to the seaport, shortening journeys, improving productivity, and providing a safer refuge during inspections, refueling, or inclement weather.
During the pandemic, the Port of New York and New Jersey experienced unprecedented cargo volumes, handling between 19 and 47 percent more cargo than pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, it was the busiest port in the country for four consecutive months during the peak shipping period. Currently, it stands as the second-busiest port in the United States, playing a pivotal role in the movement of over $200 billion in goods annually.
Michael Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, stressed the importance of these initiatives, stating, "Our collaboration with the Port Authority, the states of New York and New Jersey, and the U.S. Coast Guard is essential in ensuring the port remains competitive and capable of handling large container vessels that help drive our nation’s supply chain and spur economic growth. This plan is a major priority for the Biden administration and sets forth a consensus vision and strategy for future ecosystem restoration in the region that, in concert with our navigation improvements to come, will ensure the Port of New York and New Jersey remains a premier port for the years to come."
The longstanding partnership between the Port Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dates back to 1989, with the launch of the Channel Deepening Program. This $2.1 billion initiative, completed in 2016, deepened New York Harbor's federal navigational channels to a depth of 50 feet. The current projects build on this legacy, aiming to further deepen and widen the navigational channels to 55 feet by the 2040s.
Col. Alex Young, New York District Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, highlighted the strategic importance of these efforts, stating, "The New York District is honored to work alongside the Port Authority on these vital projects. Our collaborative efforts are crucial in ensuring the port's ability to remain a leading gateway for international trade, capable of handling the world's largest container vessels. This comprehensive plan not only aims to improve navigation but also prioritizes ecosystem restoration, reflecting our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship."
The investments announced today are part of a broader effort to modernize the port's infrastructure, including ongoing projects to improve land access and intermodal facilities. These enhancements are essential to maintaining the port's competitiveness in the global logistics industry and ensuring its continued growth and success in the years ahead.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers remains committed to working with the Port Authority and other stakeholders to advance these critical projects, enhancing the port's capacity, efficiency, and economic impact for the region and the nation.