What is the background of the Delaware River Deepening Project?
The current depth of the Delaware River is 40 feet, which was authorized during World War II to accommodate military ships being built in Philadelphia at that time. !n 1992, Congress approved the project that would deepen the Delaware River to 45 feet, and appropriated funds for the endeavor in their Energy and Water Development appropriations bill. This project was seen as a means of increasing the competitiveness at the Ports of Philadelphia and Camden by attracting larger cargo ships.
