SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - According to the Georgia Ports Authority, port activity supports more than 650,900 full-time and part-time jobs across the state.

In a recent press release, they credited a University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business economic impact study showing statewide growth of jobs (about 41,700) from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2024.

They now sustain 12% of total state employment, according to the study and press release.

“Georgia has been recognized as the No. 1 state for business for over a decade in part because we’re also the best state for reliable infrastructure,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As powerful economic drivers, the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick are a key part of the pro-job creator environment we’ve fostered to ensure every part of our state can thrive.”

According to the new findings, the statewide economic impact of Georgia’s deepwater ports in fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024) includes:

• $174 billion in sales, accounting for 11 percent of Georgia’s total sales, an increase of 2 percent or $3 billion compared to FY2023.
• $77 billion in state GDP, or 9 percent of Georgia’s total GDP, up 7 percent or $5 billion compared to FY2023.
• $43 billion in income, amounting to 7 percent of Georgia’s total personal income, an increase of 7.5 percent or $3 billion compared to FY2023.

“Georgia’s ports are one of its strongest economic engines, fostering the development of virtually every industry,” said Jeff Humphreys, director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth, who conducted the study. “The ports are especially supportive of other forms of transportation, logistics, wholesale/distribution centers, warehousing, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, and mining.”

GPA’s top three export commodity groups for the study period were forest products, food, and automotive cargo. The top imports were machinery, retail goods, and furniture.

For the full press release, click HERE.

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