GPA awarded $44m transportation grant

The $44m grant, made possible through the Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects Program, is a significant portion of a total $128m project known as the Port of Savannah International Multi-modal Connector, which is expected to take five years to complete.

Congressman Rob Woodhall said: “The Port of Savannah is one of the busiest ports in the country, which makes it the perfect candidate for what this program is intended to do: steer taxpayer dollars towards projects that matter most to America.

“Whether it’s ensuring the safety of workers and nearby residents, clearing traffic congestion to get folk home to their families sooner, or making sure we have the necessary infrastructure to create Georgia jobs, this is exactly the kind of nationally significant project that will benefit Georgia families and our nation’s economy.”

US senator Johnny Isakson added: “I am pleased to see the newly created FASTLANE program already paying off for Georgia with this critical funding to help improve rail capacity, reduce traffic and commuter delays on roadways, enhance economic competitiveness of the Savannah port and increase Georgia farmers’ and manufacturers’ access to foreign markets.

“Local commuters and business in the Savannah area will also benefit greatly from the enhanced movement of maritime cargo and improved flood control. Furthermore, this project will create both immediate and long-term jobs while increasing economic development, and critical safety and environmental improvements.”

Currently, 18% of the containers handled at Garden City Terminal moves on Class I railroads Norfolk Southern and CSX. The Port of Savannah handled 3.73m teu in 2015.