A group of south Georgia leaders is pushing to establish a third state-run ocean port on the St. Marys River that forms the border with Florida.

Morris News Service reported that supporters say a new port offers the prospect of new jobs in an area where unemployment is high.

Property now available in the area has inspired much of the push for a new port. Officials said the site of a former paper mill is on the market after developers failed to pull off plans for a mixed commercial/residential community there.

John McDill, chairman of the Camden County Joint Development Authority, said the property is "one of the largest remaining sites in all of coastal Georgia that enjoys navigable water access and has all infrastructure in place."

Tags: St. Marys, Georgia ports, St. Marys River