The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP) took a big step forward on April 11, 2012, when the US Army Corps of Engineers announced the release of its final project report for review by federal and state agencies and the public. The Georgia Ports Authority expects that final project approval will come later this fall with the issuance of a Record of Decision.
The SHEP will deepen the Savannah River by an additional 5 feet to 47 feet at mean low water. The $652 million project will provide $174 million in annual net benefits to the nation, paying for itself in less than four years. According to Corps studies and estimates, for every dollar spent on this critical infrastructure improvement, five and one-half dollars will be returned in benefits to the nation.
Stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels have supported the port expansion for many years, and it is included as a GMA legislative policy priority.