Reimbursement complete for $580M Charleston Harbor deepening project

The South Carolina Ports Authority received its final federal reimbursement for the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, part of a $580 million initiative.  

The $21.28 million allocated by Congress in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Charleston District’s Fiscal Year 2025 Work Plan contributed to the port authority’s goal to make Charleston Harbor the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet, according to the release. 

“Infrastructure projects like the Harbor Deepening Project are massive undertakings that require collaboration and teamwork with our state and federal leaders,” SC Ports Authority President and CEO Barbara Melvin said in the release. “We were able to get this project across the finish line and get reimbursed expeditiously, thanks to Sen. Graham’s leadership and over a decade of tenacious hard work. We are thankful for his support so SC Ports can continue to remain competitive in the thriving Southeast.” 

The increased depth will allow the largest container ships without tidal restrictions, attracting more services to the area. According to the release, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, played a large role in bringing the project to fruition. 

“This is great news for the Port of Charleston and the people of South Carolina. Success doesn’t just happen — you’ve got to roll up your sleeves and stay engaged — and that’s what we did,” Graham said in the release. “As a state, federal and local team, we devised a creative solution to ensure that SC Ports had the deepest harbor on the East Coast. The deepening of the Charleston Harbor is about jobs — both today and in the future. It also ensures that the port remains a multi-billion dollar economic engine that will continue to benefit South Carolina and the rest of the country.” 

The harbor deepening is funded through the state and federal government. According to the release, the project began in 2011, was approved by Congress in 2015 and began construction in 2018. After reaching the 52-foot depth in 2023, this reimbursement completes the project. 

“Completing the largest project in our district’s history, on time and within budget, is a testament to the strength of our partnership with the South Carolina Ports Authority, Senator Graham, and other state and federal leaders,” Lt. Col. Todd Mainwaring, district commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Charleston, said in the release. “Together, we moved over 40 million cubic yards of material to make Charleston Harbor the deepest on the East Coast. This project is more than an engineering milestone; it’s a strategic investment in our nation’s infrastructure and economic future.”