Written by
Nick Blenkey
Deliberate enhancements to the Brunswick Harbor will allow vessels to transit with higher effectivity. The Port of Brunswick dealt with 627 vessel calls in 2023 – 531 of which have been destined for the auto port at Colonel’s Island Terminal. [Image: Georgia Ports Authority]
The Georgia Normal Meeting has allotted simply over $6 million for particular harbor enhancements on the Port of Brunswick as a part of the state’s midyear finances adjustment. Governor Brian Kemp signed the funding invoice into legislation on February 29.
“I used to be proud to signal the FY2024 amended finances with key investments in areas like public security, schooling, and workforce growth,” stated Gov. Kemp. “Reflecting our shared dedication to creating Georgia one of the best state to reside, work, and lift a household, I’m particularly happy this finances included report funding for infrastructure tasks just like the Brunswick Harbor, which performs an important position in Georgia’s thriving economic system.”
The U.S. Military Corps of Engineers’ really helpful harbor enchancment plan features a bend widener, enlargement of the turning basin (the place ships are turned bow-downriver earlier than docking at Colonel’s Island), and an expanded assembly space at St. Simons Sound.
“I wish to thank our state lawmakers, members of Congress and Gov. Kemp for his or her continued assist of our port operations in Brunswick and Savannah,” stated Georgia Ports Authority board chairman Kent Fountain. “These funds, in addition to anticipated federal {dollars}, will allow GPA to extra successfully assist the companies and jobs that depend on Brunswick for environment friendly connections to international markets.”
The state allocation for the harbor is a pass-through to the Corps of Engineers to pay for the non-federal share of the undertaking. The whole price is anticipated to be $17.45 million, with a federal share of $11.35 million, or 65%.
“For the previous 4 years, we’ve seen an growing variety of vessel calls on the Port of Brunswick, and the automotive carriers serving Colonel’s Island have expanded in measurement to 7,000-vehicle capability,” stated GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch. “An improved channel will higher accommodate rising enterprise demand, and completely enhances the terminal enhancements we’re making in Brunswick.”
Lynch stated the following step is for GPA to signal a undertaking partnership settlement with the Corps of Engineers laying out state and federal duties associated to the Brunswick Harbor enhancements.
The undertaking will profit the auto carriers calling on Colonel’s Island in addition to bulk and breakbulk vessels carrying commodities comparable to forest merchandise and uncooked rubber.
- The Georgia Ports Authority is investing greater than $260 million in Brunswick infrastructure. Just lately accomplished tasks on the Colonel’s Island auto port embrace:
350,000 sq. ft of on-dock warehousing.
100,000 sq. ft of warehousing on the south finish of Colonel’s Island.
80 further acres for roll-on/roll-off storage. - Nonetheless below development on Colonel’s Island are further buildings totaling 182,000 sq. ft and one other 42 acres of roll-on/roll-off cargo storage. The landside tasks, paid for by way of port proceeds, will improve the terminal’s capability to finish on-site processing for autos and equipment.
