Authorizing City Council's Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities to hold hearings to examine potential uses of the vacant land at Southport.

WHEREAS, With recent considerable investments to the Port of Philadelphia, it is more critical than ever to evaluate best possible uses for the Port; and

WHEREAS, Long considered a port with great potential, the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority's (PRPA) interest in developing the three parcel territory in Southport can result in a major economic boon for the region while creating thousands of jobs for Philadelphia residents; and

WHEREAS, It is critical that development of this area be part of a comprehensive plan to create sustainable, good-paying jobs for Philadelphia residents; and

WHEREAS, Responding to the PRPA's request for expressions of interest, 16 companies involved in the areas of auto processing, energy, marine terminal operators and multi-purpose terminal operators have issued proposals; and

WHEREAS, Whoever is selected by the PRPA should be partners with the existing Port community to advance the collective interests of our local economy; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia should explore all possible uses of the area known as Southport; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That City Council's Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities is hereby authorized to hold hearings to examine proposed uses for the three parcel area of Southport presently under the auspices of the Philadelphia River Port Authority.

End