Governor Corzine Breaks Ground on New Paulsboro Marine Terminal

$247 Million Infrastructure Investment to Create 500 Jobs during Construction; 2,500 Direct and Indirect Jobs at Completion

PAULSBORO - Governor Jon S. Corzine today broke ground on Phase I of the new Paulsboro Marine Terminal Project, a 190-acre general cargo terminal to be built in the heart of the southern New Jersey region, creating 500 full-time construction jobs over the next three years. The new port will allow the State to take advantage of the increased demand for port facilities and enhance employment opportunities for regional workers. 

Governor Corzine was joined by Governor James Florio, Congressman Robert Andrews, State Senator Steve Sweeney, Assemblymen John Burzichelli and Paul Moriarty, Assemblywoman Sandra Love, and local leaders. 

"Today marks a milestone in this historic infrastructure project," said Governor Corzine. "Nearly one year ago, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to advance its economic recovery plan focusing on development of our critical infrastructure and the jobs and economic opportunities that follow. With shovels in the ground, we can now begin Phase I of the new Paulsboro Marine Terminal, a project that will create jobs, enhance economic opportunity in the region and improve quality of life for South Jersey residents." 

The South Jersey Port Corporation, Gloucester County Improvement Authority, Senator Steve Sweeney and Assemblyman John Burzichelli have worked to advance the Paulsboro Terminal. 

"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," said Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem).  "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.  I'd like to thank Governor Corzine for continuing to be a strong partner for South Jersey, and working with us to get the region through the worst economic crisis of our lifetime." 

"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," said Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem). "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. It is very significant. It is also another demonstration of Governor Corzine's unrelenting commitment to economic development and I thank him for this initiative." 

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 Paulsboro Marine Terminal will employ 2,500 full-time direct and indirect workers, including truck drivers, loaders, logistical technicians, warehouse workers, processors, billers and shippers. 

"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/Cumberland/Salem). "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. Gov. Corzine and legislative Democrats have been continuously committed to steering New Jersey through this global recession with economic development projects like this and I look forward to seeing the benefits blossom into reality." 

Phase 2 of the project, 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 - 15 million a year; in 10 years, the port is expected to generate $20 million per year. 

Waterside access will be facilitated through the construction of a ship-berthing area consisting of a marginal wharf and pier structures along the Delaware River, which should accommodate up to three ships simultaneously.  Landside access requires the construction of a truck overpass that spans the Mantua Creek to provide direct connections to State Route 44 and I-295.  Rail infrastructure improvements are also a major component of the project.  

The integration of the industrial/processing/distribution facilities with the marine terminal is intended to facilitate additional activities such as commodity processing, truck and rail loading or unloading, short and long-term storage and other related actions.    

A wide range of import, export and domestic commodities will be received by, distributed from or processed by the Paulsboro Marine Terminal.  Potential commodities include bulk and break bulk products such as gypsum, salt and plastics, building materials and machinery. 

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