The Port of Savannah was recently awarded $1.3 million for increased security, making trade safer for Georgia companies, according to Tammy McCurry, Georgia Ports Authority manager of port relations.
Savannah was one of 51 U.S. seaports to receive funding from Congress to further safeguard against terrorism.
“This grant will enhance the security measures already in place in Savannah’s port, one of the fastest-growing container ports in the nation,” Ms. McCurry told GlobalFax. “The money will advance on-going efforts to offer employees and customers a safe place to do business.”
Funds will be used for new fencing, motion detectors, security cameras and a positive identification system to screen visitors to port property, she said.
The Georgia Ports Authority promotes the state’s agricultural, industrial and natural resources through the development and operations of deepwater ports, Ms. McCurry said. So the security of Georgia’s economy relies, in part, on its ports, she added.
More than 1,700 Georgia companies ship or receive cargo through the state’s deepwater ports in Savannah and Brunswick.
The Georgia Ports Authority announced last week its purchase of land adjacent to the state port facilities that could be a potential location for a new DaimlerChrysler Corp. plant. The land is located 5.6 miles from the port’s main entrance and is highly visible from two interstate highways, making it a prime location for development opportunity, Ms. McCurry said.
Contact the GPA at (800) 342-8012 or visit www.gaports.com for more information.