Port Of Baltimore Sees Another Record-Breaking Year

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The Port of Baltimore is an economic boost for the state as it logs another record-breaking year.

Pat Warren reports that means more money for more Marylanders.

Breaking records. The Port of Baltimore moves 9.5 million tons of cargo.

"We don't just put all of our eggs in one basket when it comes to one commodity, like containers," said Richard Scher, Port of Baltimore.

Port of Baltimore is number one in the U.S. for paper, farm and construction machinery and cars. This year, the port added super-sized cranes and deeper container berths.

"We're real fortunate here at the port to have this public/private partnership with Ports America Chesapeake. That agreement made all this happen," Scher said.

According to the Maryland Port Authority, nearly 15,000 people are supporting themselves and their families with direct jobs at the port. Business here supports another 40,000 jobs and statewide overall, 108,000 jobs are linked to port activities.

"Combined, the jobs part of the port is clearly the big takeaway," Scher said.

That translates to $3 billion in personal income and more than $300 million in taxes.

The port is on target for another record-breaker next year.

In June, the port broke a record for moving cars. Nearly 23,000 automobiles left Baltimore for destinations worldwide.