Gov. Sanford allocates $2.4 million for Charleston deepening project

Gov. Sanford allocates $2.4 million for Charleston deepening project    South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford has earmarked $2.4 million of his 2005-2006 fiscal year executive budget to help fund the Charleston Harbor Deepening & Widening Project.
   Channel work on the $148-million project was completed in May last year and deepened the port of Charleston’s inner harbor to 45 feet and the entrance to 47 feet. The port now has 45 feet of water throughout the harbor to all major marine terminals.
   The cost of the deepening work is shared by the U.S. and state governments, with South Carolina funding 35 percent of project costs. The budget of $2.4 million in recurring funds would go toward the remaining State share of $15.3 million.
   The South Carolina State Ports Authority, business and legislative leaders have suggested using recurring funds over the coming years to complete financing of the work, the authority said in a statement.