A new study by the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business reveals a significant economic impact of Georgia’s deepwater ports on the Northwest Georgia region. According to the report, approximately 40,000 jobs in Northwest Georgia are directly linked to the activity at the Savannah and Brunswick ports, with Chattooga County alone accounting for over 670 of those jobs. The statewide impact is even more substantial.

The study, titled “The Economic Impact of Georgia’s Deepwater Ports on Georgia’s Economy in FY 2023,” estimates that over 600,000 jobs across Georgia are directly related to port activity. “This study confirms that our ports are invaluable economic drivers for the entire state,” stated Governor Brian Kemp. “Across industries and communities in every corner of Georgia, the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick — as well as our entire ports ecosystem — both directly and indirectly support tens of thousands of jobs and create opportunity all across the state while connecting manufacturers with markets all around the world.” The Appalachian Regional Port near Chatsworth has played a key role in this growth, receiving cargo from the sea ports since 2018 as part of the Georgia Port Authority’s long-term inland terminal plan.

Since Fiscal Year 2021, Northwest Georgia has seen an increase of over 6,000 port-related jobs. “Georgia’s deep water ports support 609,197 full- and part-time jobs,” said Jeff Humphreys, Director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth. “This means that almost one job out of every eight is in some way dependent on the ports.” The study also highlighted the ports’ significant contribution to the state’s economy, accounting for $171 billion in sales, $72 billion in gross domestic product, and $40 billion in income earned by Georgians.

The full report is available for review at gaports.com/our-port/economic-impact/.