Columbia, SC - Sixth District Congressman and House Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn today announced that the Port of Charleston will receive a federal commitment of $150,000 through the Corps of Engineers to begin a post-45 deepening study. This allows for the South Carolina Ports Authority to enter into a contractual agreement and move forward with the investigations phase in order to effectively compete with Southeastern ports as we prepare for expansion of the Panama Canal. The Army Corps FY 2011 Work Plan listing the funding for the port study will be posted on the Corps of Engineers website this afternoon.

“This is great news for the economy of South Carolina,” Congressman Clyburn said. “I appreciate the support from the Obama Administration for our efforts to ensure the Charleston Port remains a vital economic engine for South Carolina well into the future.”