House advances Carter’s bill to secure funding for Georgia harbor update project

U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) on Oct. 26 successfully garnered $11.4 million to fund the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ construction phase of his home state of Georgia’s Brunswick Harbor Modification Project in an appropriations bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Our local economy and the global shipping community will benefit from this necessary project, and I am proud to see it get the federal attention and resources it deserves,” Rep. Carter said about investment in the nation’s second busiest port for import and export of roll-on/roll-off cargo.

The Corps’ plan will modify the existing federal navigation channel at the Port of Brunswick, making the port more navigable and increasing operational efficiency, according to the congressman’s staff, which noted that upon completion, the project will have an annual economic benefit of more than $2.3 million.

The funding, originally submitted by Rep. Carter as a Community Funding Request for the federal government’s fiscal year 2024 budget, received House approval as part of the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024, H.R. 4394.

“Projects like this contribute to Georgia’s status as the number one state in the nation to do business,” said Rep. Carter. “The Port of Brunswick is a key element of the global supply chain and employer in the First Congressional District. During my frequent visits to the Port, I’ve heard from employees and shipping companies about the importance of this project.”

Georgia Ports Authority President and CEO Griff Lynch endorsed the proposed funding included in the larger appropriations bill, which now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.