Funds secured for harbor deepening

U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and David Perdue (R-GA) and U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA-01) have secured additional federal funding to keep the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP) on track in 2019, according to a release sent Wednesday.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released its fiscal year 2019 work plan, which includes $52.12 million in additional funds for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project. This additional funding, combined with President Donald Trump’s original budget request of $49 million, brings the total fiscal year 2019 federal funding for SHEP to roughly $101 million, which will keep the economic development project on track.

“We have worked tirelessly to ensure that the federal government adequately funds the deepening of the Port of Savannah to maintain the incredible growth it has experienced,” Isakson said.

“With this announcement, President Trump is delivering for Georgia in a big way, and I’m grateful to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James and Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney for their continued commitment to this vital infrastructure project. Our commitment is unwavering, and we will keep pressing until the job is complete.”

“After 19 years of delays at the federal level, we finally have a President who is committed to completing critical infrastructure projects that will help our nation compete globally,” Perdue said.

“The Port of Savannah is the fourth largest and fastest growing port in the United States. Out of all port projects across the country, SHEP has the best benefit to cost ratio at 7.3 to 1. Once completed, SHEP will contribute $282 million to our economy each year. There’s no doubt the Port of Savannah is an economic engine for Georgia, and this funding is a huge win for our state and nation.”

“Once again, President Trump and Director Mulvaney have demonstrated the national significance of adequately funding SHEP and maintaining the project’s timeline,” Carter said.

“With this commitment, we are one step closer to realizing the full economic impact expanding our harbor will have on the nation and the world. We will continue fighting for this federal support to keep the project moving forward and on time until it becomes a reality.”