'As the fourth largest container port in the nation and the sixth largest auto port in the nation, we posted another record-breaking year for Georgia's ports,' said Steve Green, Chairman of GPA's Board of Directors. 'Total tonnage at our Colonel's Island Facility experienced an increase of 13.4% from calendar year 2006. These numbers were bolstered by new customers such as Bunge North America, Bentley and Maserati as well as increased cargo volumes from existing customers.'
Green added: 'We appreciate all of the hard work the men and women of Georgia's ports are doing and the confidence our customers have in us to make our ports and our economy outpace the rest of the Southeast.'
'Investments the state of Georgia and the Authority have made in our facilities are paying huge dividends for our customers,' said Doug J. Marchand, GPA's Executive Director. 'We are setting new records, exceeding service levels and moving forward with an aggressive, $1.2 billion capital improvement plan to grow our business to new heights and create more jobs and opportunities for the citizens of Georgia.'
During the meeting, the Authority also approved two important capital improvement projects for the Port of Savannah. The first project is a $10.895-million contract to complete the Chatham Yard Intermodal Container Transfer Facility. This project will greatly enhance Savannah's rail capacity, improve overall terminal efficiencies and increase Georgia's reach throughout the southeastern US. The second project is a $4.586 million contract to complete 42 additional acres of container storage for the new Container Berths 8 and 9.
Added Marchand, 'With the additional capacity created by these and other planned projects bolstered by our continuing efforts to deepen the Savannah Harbor up to 48 feet, the Port of Savannah will continue to stimulate the growth of businesses throughout the state for many years to come.'
