Coastal GA News

U.S. Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA) has secured a $15 million federal grant for the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) to fund the East River Terminal Berth Replacement Project at the Port of Brunswick. The project aims to replace crucial port berths and infrastructure, bolstering the terminal's long-term use for vessels carrying U.S. exports.

According to a press release from Carter's office, he stated: "The Port of Brunswick is a major economic driver, not just for our region, but for the entire nation. It is critical that we invest in this necessary resource, and I applaud the GPA for consistently growing and improving its operations so that our District can maintain its status as an international shipping hub. The entire Georgia delegation supported this funding, and I am excited to see how it improves operations at the Brunswick Port." The funding of $15 million for the East River Terminal Berth Replacement Project has been allocated through the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highway program.

Carter's office also shared that officials have stated that the East River Terminal Berth Replacement Project will aim to enhance efficiency, safety, and reliability by demolishing and replacing Berth #2 main dock, rebuilding Berth #3, constructing a marine fender system, installing utilities, and dredging the vessel berthing area. This initiative follows other investments such as $17.5 million in planned harbor improvements by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and $262 million in facility upgrades and expansions by the GPA.

According to the GPA, Brunswick ranks as the nation's second busiest port for import and export of Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) cargo. Ro/Ro cargo includes ships specifically designed to transport wheeled cargo like cars, motorcycles, trucks, and trailers by allowing them to roll on and off the vessel using their own wheels or platform vehicles. This operational approach differs from lift-on/lift-off (LoLo) vessels, which utilize a crane for loading and unloading cargo.