SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) -
Over past few months, many high-profile federal leaders have toured the Georgia Ports Authority to get a better understanding of the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, including the acting deputy commerce secretary, who visited on Tuesday.
The Georgia Ports Authority is the fourth busiest port in the country and the second busiest for exports. By deepening the Savannah Harbor up to 48 feet, more ships would be able to pass through. Project supporters say that will creating more jobs and improve the economy.
Acting Deputy U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank joined U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson to talk about the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project and to tour the port.
Blank's visit is the just latest from federal officials over the last several months. She said the project will help U.S. businesses compete globally.
"The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project is a great example of the kind of efficient, high-tech effort that we need to be making around the country. businesses in Georgia and other states that depend on this port can expand to meet demand in fast-growing markets abroad," Blank said.
Blank's visit highlights the commerce department's efforts to support more good-paying jobs by increasing exports to 95 percent of consumers who live outside the country, according to the commerce department.
The commerce department plans to play a key role in the final sign off for the Port of Savannah deepening project.
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Acting Deputy Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank at Ga. Ports Authority
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