CHARLESTON, SC - October 30, 2017 - Today South Carolina Ports Authority president and CEO Jim Newsome issued the following statement on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announcing the second dredging contract award for Charleston Harbor Deepening Project:
"The awarding of the second construction contract for dredging the Charleston Harbor Entrance Channel to 54 feet is tremendous news for South Carolina. This multi-year contract, in conjunction with the contract awarded in September, provides for the construction work for the entrance channel to be completed without the potential for delays and is the largest contract ever to be awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Charleston District.
The timely progress of the Charleston Deepening Project would not have been achieved without strong partners in the USACE as well as elected officials on the federal, state and local levels. The decision by the S.C. General Assembly in 2012 to set aside $300 million for construction has been critically important through every milestone and helped Charleston move faster than any other Civil Works project to date. We will continue to work diligently to secure the remaining federal share of the project.
We look forward to seeing dredges in our harbor within the next few months and ultimately the completion of this effort that will make Charleston the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. The investment in harbor deepening, as well as the Leatherman Terminal for additional container capacity and multiple other projects to improve our existing and Inland infrastructure, will pay dividends to South Carolina's economy for many years to come."
About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Greer, handling international commerce valued at more than $63 billion annually while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. An economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. Home to the Southeast's deepest port, SCPA is the industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. For more information on SCPA, please visit www.scspa.com.