In an important development an appeals court in Philadelphia has ruled that federal approvals are not valid to Delaware’s plans to increase the size of its Port of Wilmington by constructing the new container terminal in Edgemoor. This ruling follows a case brought by Pennsylvania as well as New Jersey ports against the permitting for dredging and construction Delaware was granted by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers.

This legal battle is part of a recurring rivalry regarding cargo shipping profit across the Delaware River, involving the Port of Wilmington and the Port of Philadelphia. They has filed suit against to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in a lawsuit alleging that the examination of Delaware’s permit application for the construction of an Edgemoor port seawall as well as Dredging was not enough. Port of Philadelphia Port of Philadelphia expressed concerns regarding the potential for marine congestion, as well as its effect on the ROI on investments in the Delaware River deepening project.

U.S. District Judge Mark Kearney has ruled that the Army Corps of Engineers had been acting “arbitrarily and arbitrarily” in the approval of permit applications for Delaware permits, notably disregarding safety concerns surrounding the proposed Edgemoor terminal for containers. The ruling means that Delaware’s legal options to challenge the project are limited since that the state wasn’t part of the suit. But, the judge anticipates that the Army Corps of Engineers to review the case.

Responding, Delaware officials, including the governor. John Carney, expressed frustration and an intention to resolve permit issues in order to progress this Edgemoor project. It is the Diamond State Port Corporation, which is responsible for the port’s operations, has plans to work on strategies for getting ahead. The setback comes following the announcement of Gov. Carney has announced an investment of a substantial amount into Edgemoor port. Edgemoor port, and emphasized the potential of job creation.

The fate of Delaware’s expansion plans and any appeals or renewal of permit applications, is uncertain because of the governor. Carney’s term expires in January. Governor candidates have offered their views about the port’s growth and the role it plays in creating jobs.

The Source Spotlight Delaware