Bayonne, New Jersey – Declaring that it has been “an investment that affects every family and business on the East Coast,” U.S. Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11) participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony today marking the completion of the Harbor Deepening Project at the Port of New York and New Jersey.  "It has been my pleasure to make the New York/New Jersey Harbor Deepening a personal priority in Congress for over twenty years on the House Appropriations Committee. ‘Hats off’ to the Army Corps, the Port Authority and its partners for a job well done for our states and nation!"

“This Port is the economic engine for northern New Jersey,” Frelinghuysen said. “Ninety percent of global trade moves by ship, so I have made it one of my highest priorities in Congress to ensure the Port of New York and New Jersey, the largest port on the east coast, remains the most attractive destination for international trading partners.  This project has already provided direct benefits over two-hundred thousand people employed along the piers, docks and terminals and thousands more working in New Jersey companies that depend up on the cargo of these vessels. At the same time, the port generates billions of dollars in annual tax revenues to state and local governments.”

Through his work as the lone New Jersey member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee and past Chairman of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee, Frelinghuysen secured hundreds of millions of federal dollars for the Harbor Deepening Project since its authorization in 1997.  By dredging the main channel from a depth of 40 feet to 50 feet, the Port of New York and New Jersey will be able to accommodate the newest container ships, which will be sailing along the U.S. east coast, now that the upgraded Panama Canal has opened to the largest ships on earth. 

“This project is a proud example of how government and industry can work together to enhance our economy. This vital project was supported by federal, state and local governments and the private sector.  I commend the remarkable collaboration among the Port Authority, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard, shippers, terminal operators, unions and environmental organizations for their vision and leadership in bringing this project to completion,” Frelinghuysen said.