April 29, 2024
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — One of Georgia's busy seaports is being awarded a $15 million federal grant to help pay for new docks and other upgrades at one of its shipping terminals.
The Port of Brunswick, about 70 miles south of Savannah, will receive the funding through a U.S. Department of Transportation grant funded by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law.
One of the nation's fastest-growing ports for imports and exports of automobiles and heavy machinery, Brunswick also handles bulk cargo such agricultural goods, paper and rubber. The infrastructure grant will fund improvements to the port's East River Terminal, where bulk goods get loaded and unloaded from ships.
The project includes building a new 540-foot dock after demolishing the old one, as well as replacing half of a second dock on the site. The federal money will also help pay to install new electrical and water systems at the terminal and to dredge one berth to add depth for docking ships.
The federal grant is expected to cover roughly half of the total cost of the terminal improvements, which the Georgia Ports Authority hopes to finish by 2027.
“This $15 million federal grant will enable Georgia grown forest products and other commodities to compete stronger in world markets through a competitive port,” Jamie McCurry, chief administrative officer for the Georgia Ports Authority, said in a statement.
The authority operates the state-owned seaports in Savannah and Brunswick. The grant award comes as the port authority is investing $262 million in upgrades and expansions for Brunswick to handle increased traffic. Meanwhile, the Army Corps of Engineers is working on a $17.5 million project to widen and deepen portions of Brunswick's shipping channel.
