Experience
Stradley Ronon Team Secures High-Profile Win for PhilaPort in Port Construction Case
Stradley Ronon has obtained a sweeping victory on behalf of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PhilaPort) in a highly contested matter over the proposal of a new port on the Delaware River.
In Philadelphia Regional Port Authority v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, PhilaPort alleged that Diamond State Port Corp.’s construction of a port in Edgemoor, Delaware, would divert shipping from Philadelphia to Delaware and that the permitting process led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) failed to meet the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act, among other claims.
In a published opinion on October 28 that adopted most all of the port authority’s positions, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania vacated various underlying permits and authorization issued by the Army Corps. Significantly, the court noted that Diamond State never sought a statement of no opinion from PhilaPort, the first step in the permitting process.
The court ordered the Army Corps to reevaluate the project, effectively restarting the permitting process. This win for PhilaPort is the result of our team’s vigorous representation and will have a significant impact on the long-term shipping business in the Philadelphia region.
Andrew S. Levine, Michael J. Engle and Joelle E. PoleskyHRP Breaks Ground on First Phase of The Bellwether District
Stradley Ronon joined client Hilco Redevelopment Partners (HRP), elected officials, and business and community leaders at the groundbreaking for the first phase of The Bellwether District in South Philadelphia. HRP is converting the 1,300-acre former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery into a 14-million-square-foot, state-of-the-art campus dedicated to innovation, e-commerce and logistics. The demolition of the refinery resulted in a 16 percent reduction in emissions in Philadelphia, and the new site will offer a cleaner environment and increased economic opportunities for the region.
Kevin R. Boyle, Dean V. Krishna, Andrew S. Levine and Christopher W. Rosenbleeth
Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program Grants Awarded in PA
The Stradley Ronon Government & Public Affairs practice group helped to secure $3 million in Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program grants for firm clients this last budget process in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Governors have traditionally awarded the RACP grants, which are designated for financial assistance to brick and mortar projects, at least once per fiscal year. Our Government Affairs team worked closely with Gov. Tom Wolf’s senior staff, a cabinet secretary and three state senators to secure the grants.
Stradley Ronon Successfully Advocates Pension Reform for Pennsylvania State Employees and Teachers Unions
The Stradley Ronon Government & Public Affairs group, on behalf of one of the world’s largest financial services companies, lobbied Pennsylvania General Assembly leaders on both sides of the aisle, as well as Governor Tom Wolf’s administration, to ensure that the Commonwealth state employees and teachers maintain their ability to direct their deferred compensation contributions to their own self-directed plans and retained the right to choose from multiple investment advisers.
Nonprofits Receive Funding from Harrisburg
Stradley Ronon’s government affairs team represented various nonprofit community organizations, including AIM Academy and Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, before state legislators and governor's staff regarding state capital budget funding, transportation funding and other government grants. AIM Academy is an independent co-educational college prep school serving students with language-based learning differences in grades 1-12. AIM was founded in 2006 and moved to its current location in Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania in 2012. The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation organized exclusively for the benefit of the City of Philadelphia and its citizens. DRWC intends to transform the central Delaware River waterfront into a vibrant destination location for recreational, cultural and commercial activities for the residents and visitors of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Flower Show Contract in Bloom
The firm represented the Philadelphia Horticultural Society in connection with Commonwealth of Pennsylvania budget issues and the extension of the contract for the Philadelphia Flower Show. The Philadelphia Flower Show is the world's longest-running and largest show, encompassing 33 indoor acres and entertaining more than 265,000 people each year.
