by KYW's Ian Bush
The long-planned dredging of the Delaware River has gotten the go-ahead from the feds, despite objections from the State of Delaware.
The "First State" has long voiced concern that the deepening project could stir up toxic gunk and harm drinking water.
But the US Army Corps of Engineers played the federal trump card -- stressing shipping needs, and pointing out that maintenance dredging has been going on for years with no ill effects.
The project would deepen the Delaware River shipping channel by five feet, to 45 feet, and would put local ports on par with New York and Baltimore.
Governor Ed Rendell says he expects no bad blood with their counterpart in Delaware:
"We could be producing tens of thousands of new jobs that you don't have to be a college graduate to hold, that pay $75,000-$90,000 a year. It's a huge plus -- not only in Pennsylvania, but also in the tri-state area."
But Delaware's governor, Jack Markell, says the decision "raises significant concerns," as officials worry about the impact on water quality and safety. Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden says in a statement that his office is prepared to take "necessary legal action" to ensure the Corps applies for and obtains required state permits.
And New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine says he is disappointed that the Corps plans to go ahead with dredging plans without obtaining state permits.
Corzine says he has directed Attorney General Anne Milgram to prepare legal action to stop the work unless the Army Corps allows the environmental review process to be completed.
The project is expected to begin by January, and last about five years.
(Photo by KYW's Ian Bush)
Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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