Isakson, Perdue, Carter Demand Answers from Obama Administration on Funding for Savannah Harbor Expansion Project

Press Release

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and David Perdue, R-Ga., along with U.S. Representative Earl L. "Buddy" Carter, R-Ga.-01, today demanded answers from the Obama administration on its failure to include adequate levels of critical funding for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project in the president's fiscal year 2017 budget request to Congress, released earlier today.

According to the Army Corps of Engineers' current construction plan, if the federal government fails to provide at least $80-$100 million a year to the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, known as SHEP, for fiscal years 2017-2020, the project cannot be completed on time and the resulting delays will cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Obama administration's budget request released today includes $42.7 million for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project for fiscal year 2017, which begins Oct. 1, 2016. The administration also added another $24.32 million for the project for the current fiscal year (fiscal year 2016), thanks in part to additional funds that Congress appropriated for the overall Corps' budget.

In an October 2015 letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Shaun Donovan, the Georgia congressional delegation explained why it is critical that the administration include at least $100 million a year in federal funding for SHEP so the project can stay on track, avoid cost overruns and prevent timing setbacks.

"I am extremely disappointed that the president is shortchanging a critical infrastructure project such as SHEP while instead spending $300 billion on new "green' projects and levying a new oil tax on hardworking families," Senator Isakson said. "The administration has inflicted irresponsible cuts on the Army Corps of Engineers' overall budget."

"Over the past 15 years, the Savannah Port has been the fastest-growing port in the country," said Senator Perdue. "Completing the expansion of the harbor will have a dramatic economic impact not only on Georgia, but the entire country. This must remain a priority for the United States to compete globally and expand American made products into new markets."

"It is unacceptable and frustrating that the Obama administration has decided to ignore its commitment to SHEP," said Representative Carter. "Failing to provide adequate funding for this critical project will result in delays and threaten to increase the cost to taxpayers. This project is essential for jobs and economic growth in the First District, the Southeast, and the entire nation and this administration must realize this truth and prioritize the project. This has been a long fight which is clearly not over and I will do everything in my power to ensure the federal government meets the commitment of the state."

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