Georgia statehouse votes funds for Savannah dredging, roadways

FUNDING for the Savannah Harbour Expansion Project has been approved by the State of Georgia's budget in preparation for the completed expansion of Panama Canal in 2014.

The Savannah Harbour Expansion Project (SHEP), which will dredge the Savannah River's navigational channel from 42-feet to 48 feet has US$68,435,000 earmarked by the Georgia General Assembly.

"Funding for the Port of Savannah's harbour deepening and road infrastructure will ensure Georgia is ready when larger and more efficient ships begin to regularly call on our state," said Governor Sonny Perdue.

Additional funding of $200 million through the Georgia Department of Transportation for transport infrastructure includes $121 million for the Jimmy Deloach Parkway Extension, a 3.1-mile limited access roadway.

The extension will provide direct connection between I-95 and the Port of Savannah readying for the 2014 completion of its new locks able to take the maximum draft of vessels travelling to and from the east coast from 39.5 feet to as much as 50 feet.

"We are pleased the General Assembly and the governor are supporting port infrastructure for long-term economic growth," said Georgia Ports Authority executive director Curtis Foltz. "Both of these projects will prepare the Port of Savannah to become a regional hub for economic activity."

(Source: www.schednet.com)