April 6 - US Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss are seeking USD105 million in federal funds to continue the deepening of Savannah Harbour to help ensure that the port is able to accommodate larger cargo carriers.

Both Isakson and Chambliss submitted requests to the Senate Appropriations Committee to include the funding for the Savannah Harbour Expansion Project in the fiscal year 2011 Energy and Water Appropriations bill.

"The Savannah Harbour Expansion Project is critical to our state's economic future," Isakson said. "The Port of Savannah must maintain its position as a gateway for business to Georgia, and we will work to ensure the Georgia Ports Authority has the necessary funding for this harbour deepening.

"Savannah harbour must be deepened to keep up with the expansion of the Panama Canal," Chambliss said. "This project will provide tremendous benefit to Georgia, the Southeast and our nation as a whole."

The Savannah Harbour Expansion Project was authorised in the Water Resources and Development Act of 1999 and will deepen the channel from 42 to 48 ft (12.8 - 14.6 m) in order to accommodate larger cargo carriers and attract new business.

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