SAVANNAH — Gov. Nathan Deal is lending is his support to building a new $140 million highway that would give trucks expanded access to the Port of Savannah.

Deal said in a statement Monday the project is a crucial investment not just for Savannah's booming seaport, but for Georgia's overall economy.

The proposal calls for building a four-lane highway covering 3.1 miles starting east of Interstate 95 and ending near the port's main gate. It would be used primarily by tractor-trailers hauling cargo to and from the Savannah port, the nation's fourth largest container port.

Georgia lawmakers have authorized selling up to $100 million in general obligation bonds to fund the project. The state Department of Transportation says construction could start by 2013.