Georgia’s Ports Support State’s Economy

Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) Executive Director Curtis J. Foltz announced the results of a study that confirms Georgia’s deepwater ports continue to be one of the state’s strongest economic engines, fostering the development of virtually every industry.

“I am pleased to report that the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick have maintained and created jobs for Georgia, despite the recent economic downturn,” GPA’s Executive Director Curtis J. Foltz. “The fundamental finding of this study is that the state’s strategic decisions to invest in our two deepwater ports have contributed to substantial economic activity in Georgia.”

The study entitled, “The Economic Impact of Georgia’s Deepwater Ports on Georgia’s Economy in FY2009” reveals, that even during one of the worst recessions since the Great Depression, Georgia’s ports sustained jobs and increased its economic impact for the state. The study was conducted by the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia based on statistics from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

According to the study, Georgia’s deepwater ports support 295,422 full- and part-time jobs, which is nearly seven percent of Georgia’s total employment, or 9,000 additional jobs since the last study was conducted in 2006. This means that one job out of every 15 in Georgia is in some way dependent upon its ports.

Port operations help to preserve Georgia’s manufacturing base and foster growth of the state’s massive logistics, distribution and warehousing sectors. The ports are especially supportive of the state’s thriving agricultural industry.

The statewide economic impact of Georgia’s deepwater ports in fiscal year 2009 includes:
$61.7b in sales (8.6 percent of Georgia’s total sales);
$26.8b in state GDP (6.8 percent of Georgia’s total GDP);
$15.5b in income (4.6 percent of Georgia’s total personal income);
295,443 full- and part-time jobs (6.7 percent of Georgia’s total employment);
$3.5b in federal taxes;
$1.5b in state taxes; and
$1.1b in local taxes.

Georgia’s deepwater ports and inland barge terminals support nearly 300,000 jobs throughout the state annually and contribute $15.5 billion in income, $61.7 billion in revenue and $2.6 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy.