Port of Charleston receives major federal funding boost

The Port of Charleston will receive a $20 million grant from the US Department of Transportation for the expansion of the Wando Welch Terminal.

The investment will used to build an underwater retaining wall adjacent to the existing bulkhead and deepen three berths so the terminal can serve larger ships.

Is the Port of Charleston one of the busiest in the US? Find out with an exclusive PTI Insight

Senator Lindsey Graham described the announcement as “great news” for the port and for the state of South Carolina.

“Improvements like this at the Port of Charleston will help us continue growing our economy and creating jobs,” Senator Graham said.

“I want to thank Secretary Chao and the Trump administration for recognizing the importance of this project and awarding this grant.”

It is the latest piece of good news for the port, which earlier in February said the the new Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal had taken a major step forward, a story Port Technology International (PTI) reported on.

PTI also reported on 11 February how the US federal government had allocated $93 million to help the Port of Jacksonville reach its goal of becoming a mega-ship hub.

Senator Graham cited the South Carolina Ports Authority’s (SCPA) importance for the regional and national economy.

“We understand SCPA is a top economic engine for South Carolina, helping provide over 187,000 jobs and generating $53 billion in economic activity,” he said.

“Improvements like this at the Port of Charleston are critical to regional economic prosperity and help ensure the United States remains competitive in a growing world economy.”

Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao described US ports as “an integral component” the country’s success” and that the government “continues to invest in America’s infrastructure”.
https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-of-charleston-receives-major-federal-funding-boost/