The dredging of the Port of Savannah’s harbor received support from Georgia’s two senators on Monday, when they announced they are seeking $105 million in federal funds to ensure that the port will be able to accommodate the larger container ships that will start coming through the Panama Canal after it opens its new, larger locks in 2014.

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., submitted requests to the Senate Appropriations Committee to include the funding for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project in the fiscal year 2011 Energy and Water Appropriations bill.

The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project was authorized in the Water Resources and Development Act of 1999 and will deepen the channel from 42 to 48 feet in order to accommodate larger cargo carriers and attract new business.

Source: JOC