Georgia Ports Authority: Savannah Ports
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| Governor Deal at Savannah Ports (Photo: SavannahNow.com) |
Savannah Port Deepening receives Approval: A Game Changer in The Harbor Debate
Image Hotels Savannah Newsletter By Kristen Cole, eCommerce Marketing Director & Kaisa White, Director of Sales.Date: Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Savannah, GA - It was announced that the US Army Corps of Engineers gave the green light to deepen the Savannah River from 42 feet to 47 feet. Now, the US Army Corps of Engineers are giving the public 30 days to voice their concerns . The opinions of the public certainly vary.
The economic gains are undeniable. Deepening the ports will continue to make Savannah competitive in International Trade, while improving the flow of goods and providing Georgia Jobs. Sources, such as the state.com, point out that 300,000 of Georgia’s jobs come directly, or indirectly, from the port. However, environmental issues are still a big concern.
Georgia's Governor Deal, is pushing a sense of urgency all across Georgia straight to the Washington. Deal believes Washington should cover the portions of the funds they originally agreed to, 60% of the project. To avoid a delay in the ports deepening, Deal plans to use Georgia's tax payers dollars to pay a heftier portion of the $653 million dollar project. The ports deepening will allow an increase of container size to enter the ports. This would be nearly three times the size of the containers currently able to transit the Panama Canal. Ultimately, this would allow Georgia to expand their role as a global gateway for commerce. According to the engineers’ report, the nation stands to gain $174 million in annual net benefits.
In 2014, the Panama Canal expansion is to be complete. The Panama Canal expansion will increase the depth of vessels traveling to, and from, the U.S. East Coast; from 39.5 feet to 50 feet. If the dredging is not progressing by the finish of the Panama Canal expansion, Georgia Ports Authority runs at risk of loosing larger container ships to competitor ports.
South Carolina lawmakers have been in alliance with environmental groups. The main concerns being discussed are damages to the freshwater marshes and endangered fish. The U.S. Army Corps of engineers recognize the environmental concerns but also want to keep the nation's forth-busiest port competitive. April 28, 2012, it was announced that they are now planning to place river respirators, to help fish breathe, in Savannah's ports.
As the Obama administration weighs all variables, they have to consider South Carolina's current position. Currently, South Carolina is seeking funding and permits to deepen their own harbor. Government funding allocated to the Savannah project diminishes the likelihood of South Carolina receiving Federal funding. The Record of Decision is expected to be reached by November.
