Gov. Matt Meyer’s Wilmington port plans unclear amid lawsuit, spat
Delaware's Port Expansion Faces Uncertainty
Delaware’s new Governor, Matt Meyer, has taken office amid uncertainty regarding the future of the Port of Wilmington. His vision for the port remains unclear, especially following a conflict with state legislators over board nominations. This disagreement coincides with ongoing lawsuits that have stalled a proposed $635 million expansion of the Edgemoor port. The Diamond State Port Corporation, which manages port operations, attempted to intervene in these lawsuits but was denied by a federal judge.
Conflict Over Nominations and Legal Challenges
The tension began when former Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long submitted nominations for the Diamond State Port Board just a day before Meyer’s inauguration. This action has led to disputes with state legislators, complicating the governance of the port. Meanwhile, the proposed Edgemoor expansion has faced significant legal hurdles. A federal judge revoked essential permits needed for the project in October, citing that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers did not adhere to its own regulations during the approval process.
In November, the Diamond State Port Corporation sought to intervene in the ongoing lawsuits but was denied by a judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The legal challenges primarily stem from operators at the Port of Philadelphia, who argue that the new terminal would divert business from their facilities and disrupt ship traffic. Despite these setbacks, former Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock expressed optimism about the expansion’s future. He was among the nominees submitted by Hall-Long and is awaiting a decision from the state Supreme Court regarding the nominations.
Meyer’s administration has not provided clarity on his plans for the port, leaving many stakeholders, including port workers, in the dark. International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1694 President William Ashe, Jr. noted that he has not heard from the governor since his inauguration. Ashe emphasized the importance of moving forward with port improvements to maintain competitiveness with other East Coast ports, highlighting that Delaware’s port infrastructure is outdated.
The situation remains fluid as Delaware legislators have requested the state Supreme Court to weigh in on the nomination dispute. This marks the seventh time since 2008 that state officials have sought judicial guidance on such matters. The Supreme Court’s opinion is expected by March 10, which could provide much-needed clarity on the governance of the Port of Wilmington and the future of the Edgemoor expansion project.
