Pa. fast-tracking Philadelphia port expansion

Pa. fast-tracking Philadelphia port expansion The state of Pennsylvania, fast-tracking plans for expansion of the Port of Philadelphia, has set Sept. 5 as a deadline for requests for qualified proponents to participate in a private-public partnership to finance, design, develop, construct, operate and maintain the new marine container terminal facility along the Delaware River.
   The new Southport terminal is to be located south of the Walt Whitman Bridge and the existing Packer Marine Terminal and will be built on land that was formerly part of the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
   The state plans later this year to seek proposals from qualified bidders and award a contract in February or April 2009.
   According to a timeline that accompanied presentation made to potential bidders on early this week, the state hopes for necessary permits to be completed by 2010 and construction to be completed by 2013.