PAULSBORO, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross, N.J. Senate President Steve Sweeney, N.J. Deputy Assembly Speaker John Burzichelli and the Gloucester County Freeholder Board announced that the Port of Paulsboro will receive a $1.58 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) for a water infrastructure improvement project.

The project is expected to create 150 jobs and generate $10 million in private investment.

“This investment will bring jobs and resources to the area, while improving the health and safety of workers and families in Paulsboro,” said U.S. Congressman Norcross (NJ-01). “When the Port of Paulsboro thrives, our South Jersey economy thrives. Thanks to this grant, our marine terminal will now run safer and more efficiently for years to come.”

“The Paulsboro Port is helping to create a new era of economic development and job growth in Gloucester County and the entire region,” said N.J. Senate President Steve Sweeney (3^rd District), who has worked for close to a decade in support of efforts to expand and modernize the port. “We have worked together with state, local and federal resources to make the strategic investments for a state-of-the-art maritime facility that will serve as an ongoing source of economic activity. Our infrastructure is the backbone of New Jersey’s economy and allows us to compete and to grow in the years ahead.”

“We thank Congressman Norcross for his continued support for this vital project,” said N.J. Deputy Assembly Speaker John Burzichelli (3^rd District). “The Congressman's successful efforts to bring federal funds to south jersey is helping create jobs and make the Port of Paulsboro competitive with its global market peers.”

“This funding will go a long way as we are moving toward adding another wharf to the Port of Paulsboro,” said Gloucester County Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger. “As we expand the Port, we will expand jobs opportunities and commerce here which is good economic news for the entire region.”

This investment will support the installation of a new water main to the Paulsboro Marine Terminal and distribution within the terminal property, providing potable water and fire protection. The construction of this water line is critical to port operations and will facilitate the development of an additional 150 acres of land, for businesses that trade, ship, process, or distribute maritime cargoes and products. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the South Jersey Economic Development District. EDA funds South Jersey Economic Development District to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.

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Contact: Ally Kehoe, Communications Director
ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov