Graham: Funds for Port Deepening Secured

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) announced on Friday that he has introduced language in the budget that will make Charleston eligible for additional federal funding to speed up its harbor deepening study.

Sen. Graham made the announcement in a conference call with reporters on Friday. Earlier in the week, the Army Corps of Engineers said harbor deepening couldn't happen until 2024 under the current level of funding.

"Until the study is complete we cannot transition into actual construction on deepening the harbor," Graham said. "We essentially had no chance to compete for funding. These changes in federal law will give us the opportunity to move forward.”

Graham and South Carolina State Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome said the 2024 timeline is too slow and pledged to work with the Army Corps and Ports Authority to expedite the process.

“Deepening Charleston Harbor is the number-one issue for South Carolina’s economy,” said Graham.

Graham's wording, if passed, will make Charleston eligible to receive up to $10 million, according to a news release from the senator. The federal share of the Charleston Harbor deepening study, which will be matched by the state, is expected to cost approximately $4.2 million in the next fiscal year.