The Port of Savannah deepening is closer to becoming reality, and Georgia’s economy appears to be recovering at a noticeably faster clip than the nation’s overall. Those are two of the reasons state Sen. Jack Hill, R-Reidsville, is optimistic about prospects for southeast Georgia, and the rest of the state, he told business, community and education leaders packed into R.J.’s Steakery for a community forum Saturday morning.In response to a question, Hill said the proposed 2015 state budget includes $36 million for the last step before the harbor can be deepened, which will bring the state’s share of the cost to $260 million. “I understand that federally, the pathway has been paved legally that ought to put those (federal) funds into the budget,” he said.