Formed To Support Growth Of Port Of Baltimore, Lasting Prosperity Of Region, Continued Revitalization Of Sparrows Point

Grassroots Alliance Includes Community Groups, Business Organizations, And Labor Unions

BALTIMORE, MD (December 6, 2023) — Sparrows Point Alliance, a non-profit, grassroots organization of leading Maryland community groups, business organizations, and labor unions officially launched today to support the continued revitalization of Sparrows Point and specifically the completion of the proposed Sparrows Point Container Terminal project (SPCT). The construction of SPCT is a joint venture between Tradepoint Atlantic and Terminal Investment Limited (TiL), a MSC affiliated company and represents a once in a generation opportunity to grow the Port of Baltimore and deliver more than a billion dollars in new investment and thousands of good paying jobs to the region. Former Baltimore County Executive Don Mohler will serve as Chairman of Sparrows Point Alliance.

In 2022, Tradepoint Atlantic and Terminal Investment Limited (TiL) announced their partnership to build SPCT. When completed, this 330-acre project will expand capabilities at the Port of Baltimore, increasing container operations by over 50 percent. The new on-dock rail facility will solidify the Port of Baltimore as the closest link to the Midwest of any current American port.

“While serving as chief of staff to Baltimore County Executive Kamenetz, I saw first-hand the impact the loss of industry has on a community. When the steel mill shuttered for the final time, I vowed at that point to do what I could to ensure such a loss never happens again,” said Sparrows Point Alliance Chairman Don Mohler. “Today, we are presented with an opportunity to do something about it and bring about lasting, positive change and opportunity to the region. Throughout this process we will welcome stakeholder and community input as we make sure that the Sparrows Point Container Terminal project is done the right way – together we can ensure a brighter future for the Baltimore region.”

“The Sparrows Point Container Terminal is an incredible opportunity for job creation and billions of dollars of investment in Baltimore. On projects like this one, it is vital that we work with community leaders who care deeply about the Baltimore region,” said Governor Wes Moore. “The Sparrows Point Alliance will, undoubtedly, drive growth and prosperity to Sparrows Point, the greater Baltimore community, and the state of Maryland. I look forward to all of the wonderful work that lies ahead for the Sparrows Point Container Terminal, which will transform Baltimore from a regional port to a world-class transportation hub.” 

“The revitalization of Sparrows Point continues to create thousands of high-quality jobs for our residents, provides for much-needed infrastructure improvements and once again puts Baltimore County on the map as a global logistics hub,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “We are grateful for this alliance of community and industry stakeholders working toward the completion of the Sparrows Point Container Terminal project, which will serve as an economic engine and continue to support transformational growth in the region.”

“Sparrows Point Alliance is about bringing jobs and prosperity back to a community that has faced challenging times over the years,” said Baltimore County Councilman Todd Crandell. “Our community was devastated by the departure of Bethlehem Steel, but this joint venture between Tradepoint Atlantic and TiL represents a new beginning and a brighter future for this region.”

“The ILA is so happy to be a member of the Sparrows Point Alliance,” said Scott Cowan, President, ILA Local 333. “The Sparrows Point Container Terminal will provide new, good paying jobs and will launch the Port of Baltimore into a major player in the container industry. The geographic location of the port was once seen as a hinderance is now seen as an asset.”

“Major federal legislation and business investments have prioritized industrial development and advanced manufacturing as significant growth areas in the United States,” said Mark Anthony Thomas, Greater Baltimore Committee President & CEO. “We’re pleased to partner on the revitalization of Sparrows Point to ensure the Baltimore Region invests in our strategic assets and transforms the pathways of opportunity for our workforce and communities.

“Since day one, Tradepoint Atlantic has been committed to working with the community and communicating next steps about the revitalization of the old steel mill site. The Alliance will play a pivotal role in educating the public about the Sparrows Point Container Terminal Project, while encouraging local communities and organizations to provide input, join, and support this regional effort,” said Aaron Tomarchio, Tradepoint Atlantic Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs. “We look forward to seeing grassroots support for this transformative undertaking to continue to grow.”

More than a dozen community groups, business organizations, and labor unions have joined as inaugural members of Sparrows Point Alliance. This widespread support underscores the significance of this endeavor to the Baltimore region. 

The inaugural member organizations include: Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), Greater Baltimore Committee, World Trade Center Institute, Baltimore Port Alliance, Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce, International Longshoremen Association Local # 333, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 37, Maryland Motor Truck Association, Association of Maryland Pilots, Dundalk Renaissance, Essex Middle River Civic Council, Fort Howard Community Association, Southeast Baltimore County Council, Inc., Millers Island Improvement Association Inc., Chesapeake Bay Association, Maryland Environmental Foundation, Inc., and the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Alliance Inc.

Sparrows Point Alliance will continue to add members and build community and stakeholder consensus throughout the permitting and development process. For more information, and to join the Sparrows Point Alliance please visit: www.SparrowsPointAlliance.com.

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About Sparrows Point Alliance:

Sparrows Point Alliance is a non-profit, grassroots organization committed to the growth of the Port of Baltimore and the continued prosperity of the surrounding communities. Specifically, we support the completion of the proposed Sparrows Point Container Terminal and seek to maximize positive economic, environmental, and societal opportunities that this project will yield for all Marylanders.