Jun 25 2015

5-0: Charleston Harbor One Major Step Closer to Construction

Contact: Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417 or Lorcan Connick (202) 224-5972

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today applauded news that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works Review Board (CWRB) unanimously approved the Charleston Harbor Post-45 Deepening Project by a vote of 5-0.

The vote advances the project one-step closer to construction and sets in motion the completion of the Chief of Engineers report by September 2015, which is needed to proceed to actual construction. It will also allow the Port to be eligible for Preconstruction Engineering and Design (PED) funding from the federal government in Fiscal Year 2016.

“The Port of Charleston is one major step closer to construction.” said Graham. “I applaud the Army Corps for voting to approve the project. I also appreciate the Corps for inviting me to take part in today’s meeting to advocate for Charleston Harbor deepening. Today’s vote highlights the value of the port to the country as a whole and marks an all-important step toward ensuring construction and eventual completion.

“Today’s accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of our State’s Ports Authority and state legislature. In particular, I appreciate Senator Larry Grooms for his important testimony before the board.”

Graham is a member of both the Senate Appropriations Committee and Energy and Water subcommittee. He was an early and ardent advocate for deepening Charleston Harbor and has fought repeatedly to secure federal authorization and funding for the project.

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