Document 5LpdmG5j1OrDjzqE287NNeap0

From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Dauchess, Juliana Thu, 24 Apr 2025 17:10:59 +0000 Matesic, Hannah (OST) DOT Grant Application - Flag Project Description RAISE.pdf You don't often get email fromjuliana.dauchess@mail.house.gov. Learn why this is important This email originated from outside of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Do not click on links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi Hannah, I hope you've been doing well! (b)(6) Rep. Smucker wanted me to flag that a PA company called SILVI Materials applied for the RAISE/BUILD grant program for a revitalization project at the Bristol Port Facility that he is very supportive of. You can see more details in the attached PDF, but an overview is that they are seeking $25 million for this project which will replace old infrastructure, expand operational capacity, and enhance the safety of the port. Again, just wanted to flag that Rep. Smucker is supportive of this project and we're happy to answer any questions you might have. Thank you! Juliana Juliana Dauchess -- Legislative Director Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) 302 Cannon House Office Building b)(6) Sierra Club v. Dept. of Transp. - 3:25-cv-06221 SC_EVERSPLIT0019065 Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County -- BUILD Grant Application 2025 Project Description: Bristol Port Facility Revitalization Introduction The Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County (RABC), in partnership with Riverside Construction Materials (RCM), is seeking $25,000,000 in funding from the USDOT's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. This funding will support the revitalization of the Bristol Port Facility, located in Bristol, Pennsylvania. The total project cost is $64,800,000, with RCM committing $39,800,000 (61%) in matching funds. This project aims to replace aged infrastructure, expand operational capacity, enhance safety, and bolster regional economic growth while addressing climate resilience and sustainability. Bristol Port is a critical inland facility with direct access to the Delaware River. It serves as a key distribution hub for materials like cement, aggregate, and rock salt, essential to construction, transportation, and municipal operations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. However, the port's outdated infrastructure has hindered its ability to meet growing demand and maintain operational efficiency. This project will address these challenges by modernizing the facility, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting local economic revitalization in a historically disadvantaged community. Project Location The Bristol Port Facility is strategically located in Bristol, Pennsylvania, a borough in Bucks County with direct deep-water access to the Delaware River. This inland river port serves as a critical hub for the distribution of transportation and construction materials throughout the MidAtlantic region. Its prime geographic location provides exceptional multimodal connectivity to major markets along the Eastern Seaboard, including New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. The facility spans 69,580 acres of heavy industrial-zoned land and includes essential infrastructure such as a 450,000-square-foot warehouse and three cement storage domes with a combined capacity of 165,000 metric tons. Its geographic coordinates are latitude 40.131280 and longitude -74.822520. The port is well-integrated into the regional and national transportation infrastructure. It is located near key highways, including Interstate 95, the primary north-south route along the East Coast, and Interstate 276, which connects Pennsylvania's major urban centers, such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Materials are also transported along the Delaware River, ensuring seamless integration with other freight modes. This multimodal connectivity positions the Bristol Port Facility within a two-day drive of more than 50% of the U.S. and Canadian populations, making it an indispensable link in the national supply chain. The facility's location within a Historically Disadvantaged Community and a Keystone Opportunity Zone highlights its potential for transformative economic impact. These designations reflect the socio-economic challenges of the surrounding area and underscore the importance of the port's revitalization for driving local and regional economic growth. The Bristol Port plays a pivotal role in supporting municipalities, businesses, and industries by supplying critical materials such as cement, aggregate, and rock salt. For example, it provides 1 Sierra Club v. Dept. of Transp. - 3:25-cv-06221 SC_EVERSPLIT0019066 Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County -- BUILD Grant Application 2025 essential rock salt to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and numerous local governments for winter road maintenance, while also supporting regional construction projects, including housing developments and infrastructure upgrades. In addition to its logistical advantages, the Bristol Port Facility's location near historically underserved and low-income communities positions the project to deliver significant social and economic benefits. Nearby disadvantaged areas, such as Lancaster County, Susquehanna County, and Bradford County, stand to benefit from increased job opportunities, workforce development programs, and enhanced economic activity. By uplifting these communities, the project aligns with equity-focused objectives, making it a crucial component of the regional recovery and revitalization effort. The Bristol Port Facility's strategic location enhances its role as a vital component of the regional supply chain. Its ability to support efficient multimodal freight movement reduces congestion at larger East Coast ports and strengthens the resilience of national logistics networks. By revitalizing this facility, the project will improve supply chain efficiency, support local economic development, and foster long-term environmental and economic sustainability for the region. Project Scope and Objectives The Bristol Port Facility Revitalization Project focuses on replacing the deteriorated dock and associated infrastructure to improve efficiency, safety, and capacity while fully integrating with ongoing and completed rail infrastructure projects at the facility. The existing terminal, spanning approximately 450 feet, consists of mooring dolphins, offloading barges, and a conveyor system that are at the end of their useful life. The proposed upgrades aim to modernize the port, enhance multimodal connectivity, and ensure operational resilience. Key project components include: Dock Replacement: Constructing a new, elongated, fixed dock structure spanning 1,100 linear feet, supported by a 45-foot-wide concrete pier and connected to the shore by two access platforms. This new dock will accommodate larger vessels, improve safety, and enhance cargo throughput capacity. Infrastructure Enhancements: Installing modernized offloading equipment, metal catwalks with handrails, and systems that align with ongoing rail infrastructure improvements to facilitate seamless multimodal cargo handling. Dredging and Resiliency Measures: Dredging 70,000 cubic yards of material to achieve a berthing depth of -24 feet below low water datum (LWD) and raising dock structures above the 100-year floodplain to mitigate flooding risks and improve climate resilience. Operational Improvements: Doubling vessel throughput capacity by enabling the simultaneous loading/unloading of two vessels and reducing cargo handling times from four days to two, further integrating with upgraded rail systems. This project builds on a series of significant rail investments at the Bristol Port Facility. The Amtrak Rail Spur, a critical component of the port's multimodal logistics strategy, was completed in December 2024. This spur enables seamless transfer of materials shipped via barge to railcars, significantly reducing reliance on diesel-fueled trucking and lowering emissions. 2 Sierra Club v. Dept. of Transp. - 3:25-cv-06221 SC_EVERSPLIT0019067 Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County -- BUILD Grant Application 2025 Additionally, the ongoing effort to construct and rehabilitate 4,735 feet of railway infrastructure continues to strengthen the port's multimodal capabilities. This work, partially funded through a $1,100,000 Rail Freight Transportation Grant (RFAP/RTAP) from PennDOT, underscores RCM's commitment to aligning waterborne and rail freight operations for maximum efficiency and sustainability. Once completed, the expanded rail network will allow materials unloaded at the port, such as cement, aggregate, and rock salt, to be directly transferred to rail for distribution across regional and national markets. This integration is critical to reducing roadway congestion, improving supply chain reliability, and supporting the port's environmental goals by cutting carbon emissions. The dock modernization project will further amplify these benefits by creating a streamlined, efficient, and resilient multimodal freight system. These upgrades address urgent challenges, including aging infrastructure, operational inefficiencies, and safety risks, while equipping the facility to meet current and future freight demands. By modernizing the port and fully integrating it with the rail system, the Bristol Port Facility Revitalization Project ensures that the facility remains a critical driver of regional economic growth, environmental stewardship, and logistics innovation. This alignment with previous and ongoing investments reflects a cohesive strategy to maximize the facility's impact on the regional and national freight network, positioning it as a resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible cornerstone of multimodal freight transportation. Economic and Environmental Impact The Bristol Port Facility is a vital economic engine for the region, serving municipalities, businesses, and transportation authorities. Annually, the port handles approximately 2.8 million tons of cargo, with cement accounting for 60% of the total volume. However, inefficiencies at the terminal have led to prolonged supply chain delays, increased emissions, and higher operational costs. The proposed project will have the following economic benefits: Job Creation: The project will generate 59 full-time positions, including stevedores, electricians, equipment operators, and management roles. Additionally, it will support 93 temporary construction jobs, with a commitment to prioritize hiring from disadvantaged communities. Regional Growth: Enhanced operational efficiency will position the port as a hub for export capabilities, attracting ancillary investment and fostering economic development in Bucks County and beyond. Cost Savings: Faster cargo handling and improved logistics will reduce costs for regional industries and government agencies relying on the port for material supply. 3 Sierra Club v. Dept. of Transp. - 3:25-cv-06221 SC_EVERSPLIT0019068 Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County -- BUILD Grant Application 2025 Environmentally, the project will: Reduce Emissions: By shifting freight from truck to barge, the port will eliminate over 2,000 truck trips annually, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 16 million grams per year. Enhance Resilience: The dock's elevation above the floodplain and improved structural integrity will ensure uninterrupted operations during severe weather events, mitigating climate risks. Alignment with BUILD Priorities The Bristol Port Facility Revitalization Project aligns with the key objectives of the BUILD program: 1. Safety: The new dock design eliminates the need for manual equipment handling on narrow, deteriorated catwalks, reducing risks to port workers. Enhanced structural stability will further ensure the safety of personnel and equipment. 2. Sustainability: The project supports environmentally sustainable freight movement by maximizing barge transport, which produces significantly fewer emissions than trucks. Modernized equipment and reduced vessel dwell times will also contribute to lower energy consumption. 3. Economic Competitiveness: By increasing throughput capacity and enabling export capabilities, the revitalized port will enhance regional supply chain efficiency and strengthen its competitive position in East Coast logistics. 4. Equity: Located in a Historically Disadvantaged Community, the project prioritizes job creation and workforce development for local residents. Partnerships with community organizations and training programs will ensure equitable access to employment opportunities. 5. State of Good Repair: Replacing the deteriorated infrastructure with durable materials will ensure long-term operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. 6. Innovation: The integration of advanced offloading systems and climate-resilient designs demonstrates innovative approaches to modernizing port operations. Technical and Financial Readiness The project is well-positioned for timely implementation upon receipt of BUILD funding: Design and Permitting: The design phase is 90% complete, and a NEPA screening has been conducted. Required permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Pennsylvania DEP are in progress. Funding Commitment: RCM's $39,800,000 match from its 2026 budget underscores the financial stability and commitment of project stakeholders. Timeline: Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026, with completion anticipated by November 2028, well within BUILD's statutory deadline for fund obligation. 4 Sierra Club v. Dept. of Transp. - 3:25-cv-06221 SC_EVERSPLIT0019069 Redevelopment Authority of Bucks County -- BUILD Grant Application 2025 Conclusion The Bristol Port Facility Revitalization Project is a transformative initiative that addresses critical infrastructure needs while advancing the BUILD program's goals of safety, sustainability, and equity. By modernizing the facility, the project will enhance regional economic competitiveness, support local workforce development, and reduce environmental impacts. With its strategic location, substantial private-sector commitment, and alignment with national priorities, this project represents a significant opportunity to improve multimodal freight infrastructure in the Mid-Atlantic region. RABC and RCM respectfully request full consideration of this application to ensure the successful revitalization of the Bristol Port Facility and its continued contribution to the regional and national economy. 5 Sierra Club v. Dept. of Transp. - 3:25-cv-06221 SC_EVERSPLIT0019070