Bill would expand the Port’s navigation channel & improve safety
Sen. Ossoff briefed Port leaders about the legislation earlier this month
Port of Brunswick is second-busiest nationwide for Roll-on Roll-off cargo
Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock recently also secured a fourth vessel berth for the Port
Washington, D.C. –– U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is working to help the Port of Brunswick, introducing legislation to improve the harbor channel and to ensure safe, efficient shipping operations on Georgia’s coast.
This week, Sen. Ossoff and Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock introduced the Port of Brunswick Navigation Channel Improvement Act, whichwould make upgrades to the Port’s navigation channel to ensure that increased shipping traffic can safely navigate the Port — boosting capacity and helping reduce supply chain bottlenecks.
The Port is already the second busiest for roll-on roll-off cargo nationwide, and according to the Georgia Ports Authority, the expanded channel would permit newer ships to use the Port, boost efficiency, attract more investment, and create more local jobs.
“I’m working across the aisle to improve the Port of Brunswick’s navigation channel,” Sen. Ossoff said. “These improvements would strengthen Georgia’s economy, ensure safe shipping operations in our waters, and reduce supply chain bottlenecks.”
“I speak regularly with port leaders, employees and the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Port of Brunswick Navigation Channel Improvement Act will improve our state’s port safety and efficiency, as well as support Brunswick’s growing economy,” Sen. Rev. Warnock said. “I’ve been laser-focused on relieving supply chain issues at our ports that have contributed to rising costs for Georgia families, and I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Ossoff to ensure Georgia ports have the resources they need to be competitive and effective in our global economy.”
Earlier this month, Sen. Ossoff briefed Port leaders on the $14.6 million he and Sen. Rev. Warnock secured to increase capacity at the Port. The funding will support construction of a fourth roll-on/roll-off vessel berth.
Brunswick leaders praised Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock’s work to support the Port:
“As the busiest gateway in the U.S. Southeast for Roll-on/Roll-off cargo, the Port of Brunswick plays a vital role in the international trade of vehicles and heavy machinery,” said Griff Lynch, executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority. “The proposed navigational improvements will allow GPA to serve large vessels with greater efficiency and strengthen Brunswick’s ability to attract and support Georgia jobs. We appreciate the efforts of Senators Ossoff and Warnock to pass federal legislation authorizing the work.”
“The City of Brunswick is a national economic hub, and Senators Ossoff and Warnock are helping ensure we continue to grow. This legislation will create good paying jobs in our community and help take Georgia’s economy to new heights. On behalf of Brunswick, I thank them for introducing this important legislation,” said Brunswick Mayor Cosby H. Johnson.
“ILA Local 1423 strongly supports Senators Ossoff and Warnock’s new legislation. Expanded capacity at the Port will create more good-paying Union jobs and boost economic activity for our city and surrounding communities,” said International Longshoreman Association Local 1423 President Kenny Thorpe. “We are grateful to Senators Ossoff and Warnock for their support!”
Click here to read the Port of Brunswick Navigation Channel Improvement Act.
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