Largest Federal Contribution to Charleston Harbor Deepening Funds Study Secured

By U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed the Senate version of the Fiscal Year 2013 Energy and Water (E&W) Appropriations Act which contains $3.5 million for Charleston Harbor deepening study.

This is the most significant federal contribution made thus far to the Charleston Harbor deepening effort. Deepening Charleston Harbor is the number-one issue for South Carolina’s economy. The Port of Charleston is our economic gateway to the world and that’s why I have long believed that when it comes to deepening Charleston Harbor, failure is simply not an option.

Today, about one out of every five jobs in South Carolina is tied – directly and indirectly – to the operation of the Port. Deepening the port will allow us to keep these jobs in our state and also create more jobs in the future.

Other notable funding in the bill includes:

• Charleston will receive $20.4 million for continued operations and maintenance funding for navigable waterways.
• The Port of Georgetown will be eligible to receive funding from the $30 million that was made available in the Small, Remote or Subsistence Harbor Maintenance Account.
• Folly Beach will receive $400,000 to study future beach renourishment efforts.
• South Carolina coastal communities, such as Folly Beach and Pawley’s Island, affected by beach erosion will now be eligible to receive funding from the $40 million fund for Shore Protection.