Georgia ports supported 439,220 full- and part-time jobs in fiscal year 2017, a 19 percent increase from fiscal year 2014, according to a study by Selig Center for Economic Growth at University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.
Georgia ports are 9 percent of state’s total jobs, providing $25 billion in personal income.
In addition, port activity was $106 billion, and maritime trade contributed $44 billion to Georgia’s gross domestic product.
Business conducted through the ports also brings in billions in taxes: $1.5 billion in local taxes, $1.4 billion in state taxes, and $5.9 billion in federal taxes.
“Deepwater ports are one of Georgia’s strongest economic engines, fostering the development of virtually every industry,” Dr. Jeffrey Humphreys, the report’s author, said. “The ports are especially supportive of other forms of transportation, manufacturing, wholesale and distribution centers, and agriculture.”
Cargo also has increased as ports handled 23.1 million tons of cargo, marking a 7.3 percent increase. In February, the ports handled a record 2.9 million tons of cargo, a 1.5 percent rise, and 341,093 20-foot equivalent units, a 3.2 percent rise.
The study proves the ports are having a positive impact on the state, supporting business, infrastructure, and services, Georgia Ports Authority Board Chairman Jimmy Allgood said.