Georgia Ports Authority Reports Double-Digit Gains for July
| Wednesday, September 3, 2003 |
Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774
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Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue today recognized the successful start of the new fiscal year for Georgia's ports. The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) reported double digit gains in both container growth and the movement of auto and machinery units for the month of July.
"I am pleased to hear about these gains in the container and auto markets. Our investment in these ports will continue to help the economy of the coastal region and the entire state," said Governor Perdue.
A total of 127,471 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) were handled through the Port of Savannah during July 2003, the first month of Georgia Ports Authority's 2004 fiscal year. The additional cargo represents a 16.4 percent increase over this time last year. In addition, 26,529 auto and machinery units were handled through the Port of Brunswick during July, a 37.4 percent increase over this time last year.
"These new results show Georgia continues to command a larger share of both the container and auto markets," said Doug J. Marchand, Executive Director of the Georgia Ports Authority. "The state's leadership continues to support our ongoing expansion; our loyal customers continue to expand their business operations in Georgia; and our committed employees continue to provide excellent service."
In July, Governor Perdue announced a $110 million project at the Port of Savannah that will expand the capacity of the Garden City Terminal by 20 percent, adding an additional 2,100 feet in linear berthing space. When complete, the Port of Savannah will feature over 9,800 feet in linear berthing space, thus increasing what is already the largest single terminal container facility anywhere on the coast from Maine to Texas. This new expansion project is expected to create 10,800 new direct and indirect jobs.
At the Port of Brunswick, Georgia Ports Authority's Board of Directors recently approved a $6.5 million, 27.5-acre expansion on Colonel's Island to include a new, 26,500-foot vehicle-processing center.