Bill would expand the Port’s navigation channel and improve safety
Sen. Ossoff briefed Port and city leaders on the bill in March
Washington, D.C. –– U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff’s legislation to upgrade the Port of Brunswick passed a key U.S. Senate committee yesterday with bipartisan support.
Democrats and Republicans on the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted to pass Sen. Ossoff’s Port of Brunswick Navigation Channel Improvement Act, which would 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.”
In March, Sen. Ossoff briefed Port leaders on the new legislation as well as the $14.6 million he and Sen. Rev. Warnock secured to increase capacity at the Port with 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.
# # #
