The Seamen's Church Institute will honor Senator Arlen Specter for his years of effective maritime advocacy at SCI's 18th Annual Fall Gala to be held at the Hyatt Regency Penn's Landing on October 24, 2008. 

Senator Arlen Specter is a highly respected, long-standing and vigilant ally of the Delaware River port community.  He has continually reiterated his strong support of Philadelphia’s working waterfront, and has championed the 45’ Main Channel Deepening Project since 1990.  According to Senator Specter, “Dredging the channel is indispensable to the Delaware Valley region if it is to remain competitive with other deep-water ports.  This project has the potential to bring thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to the region.”  The project, which seriously advanced last year when Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell and New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine ironed out lingering disagreements between the two states, remained viable for the past several years in large part due to Senator Specter's protection of the federal funding portion of the project during senate budget sessions.   To date, Senator Specter has helped secure in excess of $68 million in federal funding for the Army Corps of Engineers for the 45’ Main Channel Deepening Project.    

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities please contact Ronnie Barlow 215.940.9900 or barlow@sciphiladelphia.org.