Congressman Jack Kingston (GA-1) voted Thursday evening to fund construction of the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, an initiative he has fought for since its inception, saying, "I am proud to vote for this next step in the port project and protect the 352,000 jobs that rely on our ports. This bill does three things - begins a long-term commitment with initial funding of $1.52 million, recognizes the port as an ongoing project placed at the top of the Army Corps' priority list, and holds the Obama Administration accountable by ensuring the Corps signs a dredging agreement soon, or report every week why they are not. I congratulate my fellow state and federal lawmakers, business leaders, and all working Georgians who have made this opportunity a reality."
The 2015 Energy and Water Appropriations Act contains $1.52 million in funding for construction of SHEP, opening the door to millions in state funding awaiting the federal government's go-ahead. Due to the Obama Administration's stonewalling over funding the deepening of the port, the Act also contains a provision requiring updates every week if a Project Partnership Agreement is not signed in a timely fashion.
Congressman Kingston is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and represents the city of Savannah in Congress.