DE SCR95

Calls on Governor Jack Markell, the Diamond State Port Corporation, and the Delaware Economic Development Office to aggressively pursue development of expanded port facilities in the Wilmington area to accommodate deep-draft vessels

Identifies the newly widened and deepened Panama Canal (first transited June 26, 2016) as creating opportunities for new shipping traffic that competitors on the Eastern Seaboard are preparing to receive

Notes the Port of Wilmington has operated successfully since state takeover in 1995 as a major fruit import port and middle-class employment provider, but is currently operating at near capacity

Recognizes Delaware's strategic location on the Delaware River and Bay shipping channel as attractive for either expanding the current Port of Wilmington or developing alternative port sites in the Wilmington area

Directs that any major port expansion or new facility development should involve private sector development partners through joint operating agreements given current financial constraints