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  December 26th, 2019 | Written by

Charleston Harbor Deepening Project: Federal Funding Confirmed

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  • "We are incredibly grateful to our Congressional delegation & the Trump Administration for funding this vital project."
  • The project is projected for completion in 2021 at a 52-foot depth to withstand 19,000 twenty-foot TEU vessels.
  • "Port operations generate a $63.4 billion economic impact on the state each year and create 1 in 10 S.C. jobs.”

Following President Donald Trump’s signing of the FY2020 Energy and Water Appropriations bill on December 20th, South Carolina Ports Authority is pleased to announce the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project is officially confirmed for complete funding. Details on the announcement noted Trump’s inclusion of the $138 million project previously, creating opportunities for direct appropriations from Congress.

“This huge infusion of federal funding reflects the importance of ensuring South Carolina has a deep harbor capable of handling mega container ships,” S.C. Ports Authority Board Chairman Bill Stern said. “We are grateful to the Trump Administration for recognizing the value a 52-foot depth in Charleston Harbor brings to the Southeast. Thank you to our Congressional delegation, Governor McMaster, and the state and local leaders who have supported this critical project and worked tirelessly to complete it.”
The project is currently being projected for completion in 2021 at a 52-foot depth to withstand 19,000 twenty-foot TEU vessels without concern for tidal or navigation restrictions.
“The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in S.C. history,” Newsome said. “A 52-foot deep harbor will ensure we remain competitive for decades to come as bigger ships bring more cargo to S.C. Ports. A thriving port drives economic development and attracts business to the state, which ultimately creates high-paying jobs for South Carolinians. Port operations generate a $63.4 billion economic impact on the state each year and create 1 in 10 S.C. jobs.”
This amount is in addition to the $108 million from the Army Corps of Engineers’ work plans, a $50 million state loan, and the $300 million (estimated state share) set aside by S.C. General Assembly in 2012.
“We have been working diligently on this project with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 10 years and it is great to see construction progressing. This impressive progress would not be possible without the unwavering support from the S.C. Legislature, who set aside funding years ago,” S.C. Ports COO Barbara Melvin said. “Today, we are incredibly grateful to our Congressional delegation and the Trump Administration for funding this vital project to completion.”