Charleston Harbor deepening included in President’s budget

The Charleston Harbor Deepening Project to 52 feet received a $138 million allocation in the President’s Fiscal Year 2020 Budget announced last week. The project is now eligible to receive direct appropriations from Congress through the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill.

Construction on the Entrance Channel to 54 feet began in February 2018, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected to award the next dredging contract for deepening the Lower Harbor to 52 feet this fall.

“Receiving a significant allocation for the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project in the President’s Budget was great news for our port and state,” Newsome said. “The depth advantage of 52 feet will add much-needed capability in the Southeast, the fastest growing region in the country. This project has been a collaborative effort from its inception, reflecting the hard work of many supporters who are committed to delivering a deepwater harbor at record speed.”