It took 27 years, but the project to deepen 102 miles of the Delaware River channel from 40 to 45 feet began Monday (March 1). Pennsylvania officials
say the dredging is needed to keep the Port of Philadelphia competitive. Within five years, most ships operating in international waters will require at least 42 feet of water. Without a deeper channel, they will have to take their business elsewhere. New Jersey officials hate the idea -- and have fought it locally and in Washington for lo' these many years. They cite environmental concerns, but economic warfare lies behind it. New Jersey's real money comes from its affiliation with the Port of New York, not Philadelphia. New York already has approval to dredge to create a channel 50-feet deep. It's the elsewhere ships are likely to go if they use Philadelphia. So, they are outraged over the dredging in Philadelphia and generally supportive of the dredging in New York.
