Talk of privatizing Wilmington’s port resurfaces

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Discussions of privatizing part or all of the state-owned Port of Wilmington are resurfacing after months of little movement.

The News Journal (http://delonline.us/R4MqKp ) reports officials are expected to update the Diamond State Port Corp., the port’s governing body, on Dec. 7.

Two potential investors have made the reported short list as possible partners. A solicitation for the port pegged Wilmington’s future potential for cargo as high as 1.7 million containers each year by 2040.

Port authority Chairman Alan Levin of the Delaware Economic Development Office says there has been ongoing interest in the port. He says Wilmington provides a good facility and a great location and workforce.

Union workers are concerned about the language of any deal. They want any deal to ensure protections for their jobs and pensions.