Scott Votes for Charleston Port Deepening, Other Water Projects Around South Carolina

Washington – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) today voted for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which includes authorization for the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project. The bill also contains language inserted by Senators Scott and Rubio (R-FL) regarding coastal storm and flood risks, and a provision inserted by Senator Scott making improvements to the Lake Marion Regional Water Authority.

Senator Scott worked to ensure the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project was authorized as part of this year’s WRDA bill. The deepening project will make the Port of Charleston the deepest port on the east coast, and able to accept significantly larger ships coming through the now-expanded Panama Canal. These post-Panamax vessels will account for 62 percent of container shipping fleets worldwide.

Senator Scott said, “The Port of Charleston is vital to our state’s economic future, and I was happy to work with Senator Graham to ensure our port will continue to grow and create jobs. According to a University of South Carolina study, approximately 1 in 11 jobs in South Carolina are tied to the port, bringing an economic value of $53 billion annually.”

Senator Scott also worked with Senator Rubio to authorize the South Atlantic Regional Systems Management Strategy, a comprehensive assessment to proactively address the coastal storm and flood risks of vulnerable coastal populations, ecosystems, economies and infrastructure along the south Atlantic coastline. The study will look at both the current vulnerabilities and those predicted for the future.

Scott said, “It is critical that we have the best information possible when planning for the future. Our coastal areas are home to millions of people as well as significant economic drivers for the state of South Carolina. This study will help South Carolina be better prepared when planning future growth from Little River to Bluffton.

Finally, Senator Scott worked to secure a provision to improve facilitation for water infrastructure for the Lake Marion Regional Water Authority (LMRWA), along the I-95 and I-26 corridors in South Carolina.

“As our economy continues to grow alongside our population, it is critical that we ensure the proper water infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of our state. The improvements contained in this legislation will be very helpful in that regard,” Scott said.

WRDA now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote.