GPA to Invest USD 152 Million in Port of Brunswick

U.S. port operator Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), plans to invest USD 152 million in the Port of Brunswick over the next 10 years to improve the facilities serving the port’s major business sectors, including automotive, breakbulk and bulk cargo.

In one of those projects, the GPA intends to add a fourth berth to serve roll-on/roll-off cargo at Colonel’s Island Terminal. The GPA has submitted a permit request to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the new berth, and hopes to begin construction in 2016.

“Served by eight ocean carriers, Colonel’s Island Terminal offers three modern Ro/Ro berths and four on-terminal auto processors, handling cargo for more than 60 auto and heavy machinery manufacturers,” said GPA Board Vice Chairman Jimmy Allgood.

“With 696 acres in use and 641 acres permitted for expansion on Colonel’s Island, GPA can easily accommodate additional Ro/Ro business.”

Fiscal Year 2016 projects include additional earthwork on the south side of Colonel’s Island, the next phase of the Anguilla Junction Rail Yard expansion, the first phase of a berth upgrade at Mayor’s Point, East River Terminal improvements and continued upgrades at the Colonel’s Island agribulk facility.

“Another important infrastructure improvement is the maintenance dredging that must be funded by the federal government,” said GPA Chairman James Walters.

“While the president has included USD 5.8 million in his budget proposal for FY2016, Congress has yet to pass an Energy and Water Appropriations Bill at this time. Securing sufficient funding for Brunswick harbor maintenance is our top priority right now.”