GPA receives deepening approval

“The decision affirms that this is a project of national significance,” said GPA executive director, Curtis Foltz. “It is a major milestone culminating what has been a 15-year effort. It is proof once again this port is going to deliver.”

He added that it demonstrates that deepening is economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and in the best interests of national and international trade. “The project delivers tremendous value to the supply chain. That is why it is so strongly supported by the United States government,” he said.

Once complete, the project will improve general navigation with wider channel turns and a larger turning basin. The Savannah River, which features a seven-foot tidal change twice a day, will continue to handle two-way containership traffic. In addition, the Panama Canal expansion in 2015 is expected to increase the number of larger ships calling on the US East Coast, including Savannah.