Federal funding in the amount of $1,010,800 from the U.S. Department of Transportation has been granted in support the operations at Balzano Marine Terminal at the Port of Camden, according to an announcement from U.S. Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker and U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross on Wednesday. The South Jersey Port Corp., which operates the marine terminal, will use the funding to purchase two American-made, low emission reach stackers, which will help improve operations and throughput at the terminal.
“This grant will support our continued efforts to operate cleaner, greener and with the efficiency that our customers require. This is even more critical as we are moving record cargo volumes at our terminals,” SJPC CEO Andrew Saporito said in a prepared statement.
“With billions of dollars of goods coming through New Jersey’s ports every year, we must invest in their infrastructure to secure our competitiveness and keep our state and national economies moving,” Menendez (D-N.J.) said. “This federal grant will ensure Balzano Marine Terminal can continue moving goods and products in and out of the facility everyday smoothly and efficiently.”
“We know that investing in South Jersey’s port infrastructure is a proven way to spur economic development, bolster our region’s economy, and create jobs,” Booker (D-N.J.) said. “I stand committed to continue fighting alongside Sen. Menendez and Congressman Norcross for the federal resources needed to maintain the Port of Camden’s strength and economic competitiveness.”
“The Balzano Marine Terminal is a critical link in our supply chain and handles cargo that feeds directly into the broader economy,” Norcross (D-1st Dist.) said. “Increasing the number of low-emission reach stackers at the terminal will grow its capacity to offload and move goods, ease bottlenecks, and contribute to the South Jersey economy.”
Balzano Marine Terminal offers one-stop service for breakbulk and bulk cargoes. The facility handles steel, project cargo, wood products, cocoa beans and other bulk cargoes on a regular basis.
Last month, Menendez visited Salem Marine Terminal to announce $9 million from the USDOT to expand and improve services at the facility.
