Lawmakers push for deeper Savannah port

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By April Hunt

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Georgia House joined with the Senate on Tuesday in pushing for the federal government to help deepen the Savannah port to help boost the Georgia economy.

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The CMA CGM Figaro, making its way on the Savannah River, had to cruise in loaded at half capacity to avoid scraping the river bottom, and even then could only navigate the relatively shallow channel at high tide.

AP / Savannah Morning News The CMA CGM Figaro, making its way on the Savannah River, had to cruise in loaded at half capacity to avoid scraping the river bottom, and even then could only navigate the relatively shallow channel at high tide.

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Senate Resolution 312, which passed the House 167-3, will be sent to federal lawmakers and agencies such as the Army Corps of Engineers as an endorsement of Savannah's long-held plans to deepen the harbor and river that runs 36 miles to the open sea.

The corps reported that the river and harbor could be deepened to 48 feet with minimal environmental impact. The cost, to be borne by Georgia and federal taxpayers: $551 million.

Hurdles remain, though. Four federal agencies must approve the plan for dredging to begin by late 2012, and environmental concerns remain.