Georgia Ports Authority’s (GPA) Executive Director Doug J. Marchand announced at its Board Meeting that significant progress is being made on the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP).
“We are encouraged by the significant progress being made by the Federal government and its efforts to fund and complete the economic and environmental studies required for final approval of the SHEP,” said Marchand.
Marchand, who grew the Port of Savannah into the fourth largest and fastest growing port in America, announced last month that he would be stepping down as Executive Director effective January 1, 2010. Also he announced he would continue to focus his energies, in part, on the approval of the SHEP. “The SHEP is one of the most important and proactive civil works projects in the country and is critical to the continued viability of the National Marine Transportation system and freight mobility along the US East Coast,” said Marchand.
Marchand detailed a total of $21.712 million included in the joint US Senate and House conference report, which was recently approved by the House to fund the deepening and maintenance of the Savannah and Brunswick harbors. The funding included:
- Savannah Harbor Expansion (Construction): $1.429 million
- Savannah Harbor Maintenance Dredging: $13.482 million
- Brunswick Harbor Maintenance Dredging: $6.8 million
“The approval of $1.49 million in construction funds is another solid vote of confidence by the Congress in support of Georgia’s effort to prepare the Savannah Harbor channel for the new generation of larger ships that represent the future of ocean commerce,” said Steve Green, GPA Chairman of the Board. “We are very grateful for the support of the House Appropriations Committee, and particularly the work of Mr. Kingston and Mr. Barrow with our entire House delegation, and the great support of our Senators.”
GPA’s Chief Operating Officer, Curtis J. Foltz, who will become the Authority’s next Executive Director, said the recent decision by Congress has moved the SHEP another important step closer to construction: “This funding can be used to prepare the final construction plans and specifications for the channel deepening after the required environmental and cost-benefit studies are approved.”
