Senator: Charleston Harbor Dredging is Number One Issue for SC’s Economy (USA)

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said he was very pleased the federal funds needed to continue the study of Charleston Harbor deepening had been secured in the Senate.

The Senate Appropriations Committee, of which Graham is a member, passed the Senate version of the Fiscal Year 2013 Energy and Water (E&W) Appropriations Act which contains $3.5 million for Charleston Harbor deepening study. The funding is the largest federal contribution to date.

“This is the most significant federal contribution made thus far to the Charleston Harbor deepening effort,” said Graham. “Deepening Charleston Harbor is the number-one issue for South Carolina’s economy. The Port of Charleston is our economic gateway to the world and that’s why I have long believed that when it comes to deepening Charleston Harbor, failure is simply not an option.”

“Today, about one out of every five jobs in South Carolina is tied – directly and indirectly – to the operation of the Port,” said Graham. “Deepening the port will allow us to keep these jobs in our state and also create more jobs in the future.”

Other notable funding in the bill includes:

– Charleston will receive $20.4 million for continued operations and maintenance funding for navigable waterways.

– The Port of Georgetown will be eligible to receive funding from the $30 million that was made available in the Small, Remote or Subsistence Harbor Maintenance Account.

– Folly Beach will receive $400,000 to study future beach renourishment efforts.

– South Carolina coastal communities, such as Folly Beach and Pawley’s Island, affected by beach erosion will now be eligible to receive funding from the $40 million fund for Shore Protection.

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Dredging Today Staff, April 27, 2012;