Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal are in Washington meeting with Transportation Department Secretary Ray LaHood to discuss the deepening of the Savannah port.

Reed announced his trip Thursday during his annual State of the City address. Federal and state leaders have identified the project as vital to Georgia's long-term growth.

Deepening the port will make it accessible to larger cargo ships. Supporters want the project completed ahead of the planned 2014 expansion of the Panama Canal.

In his speech, Reed said the port's health and success also matter to Atlanta. In his proposed fiscal year 2013 budget, Deal has earmarked $47 million in bonding to deepen the port.

Tags: Nathan Deal, Kasim Reed, harbor deepening, Savannah port, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Savannah Harbor deepening, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood