Gov. Brian Kemp joined customers, Hall County dignitaries and Georgia Ports leaders to host the grand opening ceremony of the $134 million Gainesville Inland Port Thursday.
“Georgia’s ports are a major reason companies choose to invest and create jobs here, and the Gainesville Inland Port brings that advantage directly to Northeast Georgia,” said Gov. Kemp. “Connecting this region to the Port of Savannah with new supply chain options makes it easier for Georgia businesses to reach customers around the world and helps ease congestion on our highways.”
“We view this as a high growth market where we can improve supply chain performance and make customers more competitive long-term. We’re bringing the Port of Savannah closer to Gainesville,” said Georgia Ports CEO Griff Lynch.
Customers can now choose rail for greater affordability and for heavier loads, or truck-only for faster transit. The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) expects to shift 26,000 containers to rail in the terminal’s first year of operation, improving emissions and reducing trucks on Atlanta and Georgia highways. Serving North Georgia and the Carolinas, the Gainesville Inland Port is presently handling a mix of home and retail goods as well as manufacturing components for imports. Exports consist of farm and forest products, as well as manufacturing.
“GPA’s new inland terminal is another important investment in Georgia’s statewide logistics network,” said Georgia Ports Chairman Alec Poitevint. “We appreciate Gov. Kemp, the General Assembly and Georgia DOT for their work keeping that network strong across the Peach State.”
“We are working with customers and the logistics community to create more business opportunities for them. The City of Gainesville and Hall County leadership have been excellent to work with and we’re confident in the future there,” added Georgia Ports President Kevin Price.