James Walsh

During the Public Session, comments were heard regarding the sale of Pier 96. PhilaPort announced it would request an analysis from Hatch concerning the use of Piers 96, 98, and 100, with proposals for Pier 96 to be considered subsequent to that analysis. Staff provided updates on Marketing, Procurement, Port Development, and Government & Public Affairs. The Board subsequently passed two resolutions: one authorizing staff to submit a Rail Freight Program grant application to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for enhancing freight rail movement at the Tioga Marine Terminal (STaRT grant), and another authorizing staff to apply for a federal grant through the USDOT's 2025 Innovative Financing and Asset Concession Program for the Southern Philadelphia Port District project.

During the Public Session, presentations were delivered covering the Monthly Marketing Update, Procurement Updates, Port Development Updates, and Government & Public Affairs Updates. A significant resolution passed was the Authorization to Accept the Financial Audit for FY 2024-2025. Specifically, the Board approved the Financial Audit Report and Management Letter prepared by Milligan and Company LLC for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, as required by the PRPA Act.

During the Public Session, updates were presented on Marketing, Procurement, Port Development, and Government & Public Affairs. The primary resolutions addressed the adoption of the FY 25/26 Operating Budget, authorizing PhilaPort to seek and expand funds consistent with this budget. Another significant resolution authorized staff to draft and execute a lease amendment with Kinder Morgan Liquid Terminals LLC for Tioga Marine Terminal II Berths 1 and 2, extending the existing lease for three months while finalizing terms for a new ten-year term with renewal options. Finally, the Board authorized the acquisition of property at 2906 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19148, through purchase in lieu of eminent domain for port expansion and development purposes.

The Board meeting included several public presentations covering the Monthly Marketing Update, Procurement Updates, Port Development Updates, and Government & Public Affairs Updates. Key resolutions involved authorizing the execution of a seven-year Berthing Agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) for cruise services at the Hog Island Terminal Facility, contingent upon its purchase. Furthermore, the Board authorized the purchase of the Hog Island Dock Terminal Facility from Energy Transfer Marketing & Terminals L.P. through an Agreement of Sale (AOS) and related agreements. The Board also approved the sale of approximately 12.75 acres of the recently acquired Mustin Site to PECO Energy Company for an electrical substation. Finally, authorization was granted to negotiate and enter into a Consent Order and Agreement alongside a Professional Services Contract related to identified matters requiring settlement.

The resolution authorizes PhilaPort to enter into agreements to retain marketing representatives for the next two years, with an annual budget not exceeding $152,540.00. It also authorizes the Executive Director and CEO of PhilaPort, with the advice of Chief Counsel, to negotiate the specific terms and conditions of the agreement and to execute any necessary documents to effectuate such agreements.