Congressman Sanford Bishop

Representing the 2nd District of Georgia

GEORGIA HOUSE DELEGATION URGES APPROPRIATORS TO APPROVE SHEP FUNDING

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, all 14 members of the Georgia House delegation sent a letter to Congressman Mike Simpson (ID-2), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, outlining their priorities for the fiscal year 2015 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill.  The letter requests that the Committee support federal funding for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP). Read a complete copy of the letter by clicking here.

Congressman Jack Kingston (GA-01) said, “This deserving project, backed by a bipartisan, bicameral Congressional delegation, praised by the President and Vice-President, and cleared after a decade of exhaustive studies, should be fully-funded and cleared for construction immediately to protect the 350,000-plus jobs supported by our ports and the $174 million in annual net benefits from this project.”

"The Savannah River deepening  project is of vital importance to the Southeast and the entire nation,” said Congressman Sanford Bishop (GA-02), “Once the project is funded and completed, the port will be a major driver of economic development, create jobs, and boost Georgia’s economy by opening access to world-class trade for the region.”

“It’s long overdue that we get this project started,” stated Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (GA-03). “The deepening of the Savannah Port provides crucial jobs throughout Georgia, and has an impact on the state’s entire economy. We need this federal funding so we can move forward, and I strongly encourage the committee to include this project in their appropriations.”

“The Port of Savannah is an economic engine not just for the region and the state but my district as well,” said Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04). Investment in the port creates jobs for all Georgians, including my constituents in metro Atlanta. This project will ensure that my constituents and their employers can complete in an ever-changing global marketplace.”

“The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project can be an important economic booster for the future of our state and the region,” said Congressman Lewis (GA-05).  “The entire Georgia delegation is working to see it through to completion.”

“The economic vitality of our state, the Southeast and the nation as a whole is tied to the Port of Savannah,” said Congressman Tom Price (GA-06). “There’s no reason we should not do what is necessary and sensible to ensure this harbor expansion project is completed in a timely manner. It will not only help protect the jobs of today but it will preserve, protect and promote opportunities for growth in the future.”

“To delay the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project any further is simply irresponsible,” said Congressman Rob Woodall (GA 07).  “The longer we wait to complete this project, the longer we postpone the economic benefits to follow: benefits that extend far beyond Georgia’s state lines.  With bipartisan support in Congress, as well as commitments from President Obama and Vice President Biden, it is time to finally act on this extensively researched and regionally invested project.”

“The Savannah Port is an economic engine for the state of Georgia and for our nation,” said Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08), “I urge that this project, which has received strong support in Congress and in the Administration, be fully funded so that we can begin to realize the exponential job growth that it will bring.”

“The poultry and produce that start out in the red clay of Northeast Georgia reach the world through the Port of Savannah,” said Congressman Doug Collins (GA-09).  “It’s our job as Members of Congress to make sure that continues.  The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project is crucial to our regional, state, and local growth.  The federal government’s partnership with the State of Georgia on this project is well-founded, practical, and highly necessary.”

“The Savannah Harbor is one of the nation’s fastest growing container ports, and completion of this project will boost Georgia’s economy, create jobs, and strengthen the international competitiveness of U.S. businesses,” said Congressman Paul Broun (GA-10). It is unfortunate that despite the Vice President’s promises that SHEP would be completed ‘come hell or high water,’ the President has neglected to provide funding for it in his budget proposal. SHEP is supported by the entire Georgia delegation and the State of Georgia has come to the table with a share of the funds. It’s high time that this important project is seen to completion.”

“This project is critical to the economic development of Georgia, the southeast region, and indeed our entire nation,” said Congressman Phil Gingrey (GA-11). “It is long past time that the project be fully funded so that the Harbor can be deepened and utilized to its potential."

“The Port of Savannah is one of the busiest in the country, and this investment will benefit communities well beyond Georgia’s borders,” said Congressman John Barrow (GA-12)“Multiple federal agencies have endorsed this project as technically feasible, economically justified, cost effective, environmentally responsible, and in the national interest.  It’s time get moving on this project once and for all, and our entire delegation is unified in this effort.”

“The logistics and transportation businesses in suburban Atlanta depend on the Savannah port for a competitive advantage,” Congressman David Scott (GA-08) said.  “Expansion of the harbor is a no-brainer. We stand united to ensure that Georgia remains competitive with other states and countries.”

“The law is clear, the funding is there and the studies are over,” said Congressman Tom Graves (GA-14). “The Savannah Harbor Expansion Project has long been ready to move forward, and I will continue working with my colleagues on the Energy and Water Subcommittee to support one of the top economic priorities of our state and nation.”

113th Congress