The $250 billion port project is expected to create 2,500 jobs and 800 construction jobs and to impact approximately 20,000 other jobs in the area.
They are building a 190-acre general cargo terminal in the heart of the southern New Jersey. The new port will enable the State to capitalize on the increased demand for port facilities. Here's more on the breakdown of the plans and what they will mean for the region including the potential economic impact:
Overall, the project will feature a marine terminal with three 40-ft deep berths and a 20 ft. deep barge berth, warehouse space and an access overpass. Phase I will consist of building two 40-ft ship berths and 100,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space and an access road and bridge, for a total cost of $174 million. When fully complete in 2012, the terminal is expected to employ 2,500 full-time workers, including truck drivers, loaders, logistical technicians, warehouse workers, processors, billers and shippers.
Phase 2, scheduled for completion in 2017, will consist of building the third 40-ft ship berth, the 20-ft barge berth and additional warehouse space, at an estimated cost of $100 million.
In five years, the port is expected to generate $10 million to $15 million a year; in 10 years, it is expected to generate $20 million annually.
Governor Corzine had this reaction to the project:
"This is just one of the most successful concepts that I have seen put together in a very, very long time for economic development and expansion," Corzine said.
And here's some video from the groundbreaking:
I'll put more reaction from local elected officials below the fold.
"This project is a major economic victory for the South Jersey region, and will boost the importance of South Jersey in domestic and international trade," Sweeney said. "It will create hundreds of jobs, both in terms of temporary construction work and permanent employment, and will be an engine for South Jersey's economic recovery.''
Assemblyman and Paulsboro Mayor John Burzichelli:
"This project will be among the most significant economic development projects seen in this part of the New Jersey in years, ultimately providing continuous contributions to the region's economic development for generations to come," Burzichelli said. "The impact will be huge and far-reaching. It will create countless jobs in this area, not only at the port but at businesses that thrive off a successful port. It will ease traffic congestion on local roads. It will link this region to the global economy.''
Assemblywoman Celeste Riley:
"This timely and exciting project will be the spark that drives economic expansion in this part of the state for years to come," said Assemblywoman Celeste Riley (D-Gloucester). "Not only will it create new jobs, but an improved port will open this region to even more of the world's economy and provide untold benefits to area businesses connected to the port in numerous ways."
Andrews credited the state and local government for their ability to bring this project to fruition, especially since it's coming at a time when so many people have been out of work for so long.
"People don't want elected officials to talk about fixing this problem, they want us to fix it," Andrews said. "And today is an example of what fixing the economic problems of this country looks like."
Freeholder Bob Daminger:
Not only was Corzine the first to speak, but each official who subsequently took the microphone was sure to thank Corzine for his support of the project, crediting him with the vision and understanding of what this infrastructure will do for the region.
Damminger, however, said the praise is well-deserved and not just the result of a heated election race.
"This isn't just campaign fodder, to stand here and thank the governor," Damminger said. "The governor didn't just start working on this last week. He's been working with us from before the time he took office. He's dedicated to helping the people of Paulsboro, the people of Gloucester County, the people of South Jersey, and the people across this state."
