calendar year under review. An aggressive campaign to promote increased commerce on the Delaware River, as authorized by legislation enacted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey was initiated by the Delaware River Joint Commission in October, 1947, when a preliminary survey of the Delaware River Port was inaugurated. The results of this survey, along with definite recommendations, were incorporated in a report to the Commission in early 1948. Included in the subject matter of the report were: an inventory of structures and facilities used or usable for handling waterborne commerce; a study of past, present, and prospective commerce through the port; an analysis of freight rates and freight charges; port administration and operation; and conclusions and recommendations. This report recommended that immediate action be taken to draft legislation to the end that the Delaware River Joint Commission be converted into an effective Port Commission. It further recommended that, through coordination of maritime interests, a plan be developed for adequate promotion of increased commerce at the Delaware River Port; and that a "Master Plan" be established to provide for an effective program for the installation and improvement of essential facilities. U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: O-1948 |