This comes as the harbour-deepening project for the state of South Carolina has been included among in the Obama Administration`s "We Can`t Wait" initiative, which is intended to expedite the most critical infrastructure projects in the country. Charleston`s harbour deepening is one of seven projects involving five ports in the initiative.
However, funding for the US$300-million-plus harbour deepening would still require approval from the US Congress.
"This announcement represents more good news for our deepening project, and demonstrates that the highest levels of our government understand the critical need to advance this project," said Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) in a statement. "In just two years, we have gone from not being included in the president`s budget to now being a top priority."
The White House also promises that the harbour deepening will be completed by 2019, a year ahead of schedule, according to media reports.
"This priority infrastructure programme is a natural extension of the Obama Administration`s export initiative," Mr Newsome said. "There is a recognition that in order to double the nation`s exports, which are primarily sourced from the Southeast region, a port in this region must be deepened to at least 50 feet to accommodate the largest ships expected to call our coast without tidal restriction."
In February, the Obama Administration included $3.5 million towards the project`s feasibility study in the president`s budget for fiscal year 2013. The deepening of Charleston harbour to 50 feet is predicted to provide significant economic benefit to the southeast region and the entire nation, with $106 million in net benefit to the nation estimated on an annual basis.
With 45 feet of water at mean low tide, Charleston currently has the deepest port in the region, serving ships drawing up to 48 feet of water on the tides. Deepening the harbour would open the port to the biggest vessels 24 hours a day, under any tidal condition.