Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp took a break from legislative matters in Atlanta on Wednesday to attend the 2023 Logistics Summit at the Savannah Convention Center.
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Gov. Kemp speaks at Georgia Logistics Summit
The summit is one of the most important supply-chain-focused events in the Southeast. Speakers at the event discussed everything from the economy, to technology, to the growth of Georgia’s Ports.
Halfway through the event, Kemp gave his own remarks.
“The ports authority is again exceeding their forecasted growth rate and is preparing for increased demand at both of our terminals,” Kemp said. “For a second year in a row, 85% of the exports that we saw in our state were coming from our small business people. This incredible success is the result of many many people.”
After the governor made his speech, leaders from the Georgia Ports Authority took the stage. They discussed exactly what they’ve done to ensure the Port of Savannah’s success.
“We have laid over 20 miles of new rail track inside the port, erected rail mounted gantry … that allowed us to double our rail lift capacity,” one GPA official said.
Other speakers discussed ways they can ensure the Port of Savannah continues to grow.
One way involves shortening the cables on the Talmadge Bridge to make it taller.
“Obviously we want to accommodate those ships coming into the Port of Savannah. This is a necessary thing for us to keep up with the growth we’re seeing here in the region,” said Andrew Heath, deputy chief engineer for the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Speakers also talked about the new Hyundai electric vehicle plant that is coming to Bryan County.
Kemp discussed the role it will play in Georgia’s supply chain.
“Many of those cars will travel through the Port of Brunswick and rest assured, our ports will be ready for that incredible growth,” Kemp said.
READ THE FULL STORY:Savannah leaders discuss economy, growth of ports at annual Georgia Logistics Summit
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