Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) in the USA will receive USD6 million for harbour improvements at the port of Brunswick as part of the state’s midyear budget adjustment.
In late February, the Georgia General Assembly allocated the funds, with governor Brian Kemp signing the funding bill into law on February 29. The US Army Corps of Engineers’ recommended harbour improvement plan includes a bend widener, expansion of the turning basin (where ships are turned bow-downriver before docking at Colonel’s Island), and an expanded meeting area at St. Simons Sound.
GPA board chairman Kent Fountain said: “These funds, as well as expected federal dollars, will enable GPA to more effectively support the businesses and jobs that rely on Brunswick for efficient connections to global markets.”
The entire cost is expected to be USD17.45 million, with a federal share of USD11.35 million, or 65 percent. The project, according to GPA, will benefit the auto carriers calling on Colonel’s Island as well as bulk and breakbulk vessels.
GPA is investing more than USD260 million in Brunswick infrastructure. Recently completed projects at the Colonel’s Island auto port include 350,000 sq ft (32,516 sq m) of on-dock warehousing; 100,000 sq ft (9,290 sq m) of warehousing on the south end of Colonel’s Island; and 80 additional acres (32.4 ha) for ro-ro storage.
