Legislative oversight leaders see shift in momentum at port

Written by Grooms News on November 16, 2009, 09:25 AM

The Post and Courier
BY LARRY GROOMS and HARRY CATO
Monday, November 16, 2009

A recent string of good news from the Port of Charleston has given South Carolinians reason to be optimistic about our future. From a new five-year contract with Maersk and major industry announcements, to the completion of a strategic plan, these successes have generated a positive spirit across the Lowcountry and throughout South Carolina.

We must sustain this momentum to boost our state's economy in the months and years ahead. Moving ahead with the construction of a new container terminal at the former Navy Base in North Charleston is essential to getting our ports back on top.

The new facility there is vital to the health of our port system. In fact, its timely completion is specifically recognized as a priority in the port governance legislation passed by the General Assembly earlier this year.

The broad-ranging law that restructured our public ports was designed to enhance the competitiveness of one of our state's most valuable economic assets. There is little question that vibrant, competitive and growing ports are vital to our economy. Companies in every county rely on the state's public ports to reach foreign markets. An estimated 260,000 jobs across South Carolina are related to the ports, according to a study by a major consulting firm with roots in the state.

This is clearly not just an issue for one part of the state — what happens in our seaports on the coast reverberates across South Carolina.

The new port governance law created a Review & Oversight Commission that is tasked with helping to ensure that our ports stay on track. Five state senators and five House members from around South Carolina were assigned to this important task. We are pleased with the progress to date.

First, and most importantly, the South Carolina State Ports Authority has refocused on its core mission of bringing jobs and prosperity through international trade. We must regain the lost international commerce and market share that our neighbors snatched from us over the past several years.

Although the global economic recovery will have much to say about how quickly we rebound, the Ports Authority's new chief executive, Jim Newsome, brings 30-plus years of shipping experience and great enthusiasm to his job. He isn't content to wait on a rising tide to lift the boat — he and his team are working hard today to bring business back to South Carolina's docks.

Signing the world's largest shipping line, Maersk, to a new contract through 2014 is an encouraging and significant step. The Ports Authority has also brought attention and action to several other key areas that were identified in the legislation, such as setting a long-term strategic direction, working to sell excess property and a new port development project in Jasper County on the Savannah River.

The new Navy Base Terminal is a vital part of the economic development prospects for the Charleston area and the entire state. The additional capacity of the new terminal, along with the deepening of the harbor to provide better access for the next generation of ships, will provide South Carolina with an attractive deepwater port to meet future needs of the manufacturing and industrial sectors.

Beyond the docks, infrastructure improvements in the Charleston region will serve our state's industries and assist with the recruitment of new businesses using our port in the years to come.

SCDOT is already working to improve and widen one segment of I-26, and is proposing to widen and improve a third segment to relieve traffic congestion for projected developments. In addition, the S.C. Department of Commerce has advanced a strategy to enhance and encourage rail movement throughout the Lowcountry and across the state.

By making these types of improvements, and by building on the port's positive energy through the new Navy Base Terminal, the entire state will be able to continue to attract new and expanding employers. Success means a brighter future for families across South Carolina. 


Larry Grooms represents Senate District 37, which includes portions of Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester counties. He is chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and chairman of the Port Oversight Commission.

Harry Cato represents House District 17 in Greenville County. He is Speaker Pro Tem of the S.C. House and vice-chairman of the Port Oversight Commission.