Please join us in person for our joint October meeting of the Goods Movement Task Force and Transportation Operation Task Force. This meeting will feature a presentation from the U.S. Coast Guard on their role in making sure the Delaware River is a successful pathway for commerce and ship movement. This presentation will be followed by a roundtable scenario discussion on cross-river operational coordination between our regional partners. We encourage all attendees to participate in this dicussion!
Note: Coffee will be available at 9:30 AM. Lunch will be served following the meeting.
AGENDA
Welcome and Introductions
Ariella Maron, Executive Director, DVRPC will welcome the Task Forces and introduce the meeting’s agenda. Kristen Scudder, DVRPC will give a brief overview of the Delaware Valley Goods Movement Task Force. Chris King, DVRPC will give a brief overview of the DVRPC Transportation Operations Task Force.
US Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay
The ports of the Delaware River play a vital role in the regional and national economy, providing a critical link for industries to the global supply chain. Through coordination with key partners, the United States Coast Guard works to ensure this vital link is sustained. Todd Wardwell, Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay will provide an overview of maritime restoration planning and response for recovery and resiliency in the region.
Cross-River Coordination Panel and Roundtable Discussion
Cross-river coordination is critical during both everyday operations and emergency operations. This roundtable will focus on the scenario provided below and task force attendees will be invited to join the discussion around how their agencies and companies are impacted and involved.
Scenario: A bridge strike occurs at a Delaware River crossing rendering it closed until further inspection. There is limited debris that must be cleaned up before ships can continue in the navigable river. Incoming ships are not allowed up the river and are delayed while the cleanup takes place. Cargo arriving via truck has to be held somewhere until the ports reopen, and trucks passing through the region are routed to other crossings.
Two Minute Agency Reports
Agencies have the opportunity to discuss any items of interest such as recent accomplishments, status of on-going projects and/or future efforts.