Legislative Fix Needed to Move Ahead with Deepening of Savannah Port

Deal was disappointed by President Obama’s proposed allotment to the project this year. But he says the state will move forward no matter what.

“It is possible. Would it be preferable? No. It would be preferable to get more than the $1.28 million that was in the President’s budget this year and we’re going to continue to press on that.”

Without additional federal funds, Deal at the very least wants Congress to raise the project’s original spending cap, which was set in 1999 at $459 million. Since then, projected costs have increased to $652 million. A legislative fix is necessary in order to move ahead with construction.

“If they will give us the authorization to move forward using our own resources and not penalize us then I think that would be the signal for us to begin work.” 

The U.S. Senate is considering the authorizing language now. Deal and other state leaders are urging Congress to act.

“Time truly is of the essence on this project. And once those larger vessels are moving through the Panama Canal if we are not a part on the east coast where they can stop there we will suffer some consequences.”

Deal did not say how much more the state would be willing to spend if Congress raises the cap.

Georgia has so far devoted about $230 million dollars to the project. The total price tag is about $700 million, a figure that includes litigation costs.