There were a couple big news items last week for Georgia’s ports, highlighting their continued growth and critical place in the Georgia economy.
First, Georgia Ports Authority officials gave an update to the stakeholders in the region of the Blue Ridge Connector in Gainesville. The rail line connector to the Port of Savannah remains on track to open in 2026, portending a major impact on regional commerce and trade. Officials from more than a dozen counties, Lanier Technical College and the Georgia Department of Economic Development heard from port officials about the supply chain opportunity for manufacturing, economic development and the local workforce.
“The Blue Ridge Connector is designed to open access to world markets and create a positive economic impact in the Northeast Georgia region by connecting the Port of Savannah’s 37 weekly global services with Gainesville, Georgia,” said Stacy Watson, GPA’s Director of Economic & Industrial Development. “Every effort has been made to improve the supply chain experience, enable future growth while being sensitive to surrounding communities.”
The facility will sit on 104-acres in Gainesville and link to the Port of Savannah’s Mason Mega Rail, the largest on-dock rail facility in North America. Daily departures by CSX and Norfolk Southern link the port to inland markets, moving approximately 20 percent of the port’s cargo by rail, a number that will only increase with the opening of the Blue Ridge Connector.
“Our analysis of this market with customers and the market growth potential is lining up well. We’re excited about creating a new supply chain that makes our customers compete stronger, more sustainable and enable their long-term growth plans year-over-year,” added Taylor Worley of Georgia Ports Market Research and Economic Development who presented at the meeting.
The second piece of big news this week was an announcement from Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA 1) that he had secured $15 million for funding to replace berths at the Port of Brunswick. The new berths will improve efficiency, safety and reliability, meaning the country’s second busiest Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) port will add further capacity and continue its trend to become first in the nation in that category. RO/RO is an industry trade term meaning wheeled cargo, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks or forklifts.
“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,” said Rep. Carter.
The $15 million number is small compared to the more than $250 million in facility upgrades and expansion by the GPA itself but will allow the ports to make improvements at a quicker pace than they had planned.
“We want to express our appreciation to Congressman Carter, Senators Ossoff and Warnock, Governor Kemp, and the entire Georgia delegation for their support in achieving this Federal grant. Thanks to their leadership efforts, this $15 million Federal grant will enable Georgia grown forest products and other commodities to compete stronger in world markets through a competitive port,” said Jamie McCurry, Georgia Ports’ Chief Administration Officer.
