The State Infrastructure Bank has agreed that the Jasper County Port Project is eligible for funding. That’s not the same as agreeing to fund the project, but lowcountry officials are optimistic that the $63 million will be allotted to aid the project, in the construction of a new exit on Interstate 95 and industrial warehouses near the new port. But the issue isn’t without a certain amount of tension. While the project will clearly benefit South Carolina, it’s just a stone’s throw from Georgia. Charleston officials are very aware of the competition between the existing Charleston port and the Savannah Port in Georgia. The Port of Savannah gained business from the Maersk shipping Company while the Charleston port lost part of the Danish company’s business, which had been its largest client.
State Representative Chip Limehouse of Charleston serves on the Infrastructure Bank Board. During Thursday’s meeting he expressed concern that Georgia might benefit from South Carolina’s investment.
Hardeeville City Manager Kevin Griffin responds, saying that the tide is turning and that South Carolina will reap the benefits. “We’re not working with Georgia on this project. We’re working to get industrial projects into Jasper County and the Low-Country of South Carolina. So when the opportunities occur, we’ll have everything ready. So far all the development has been on the Georgia side.” [Read more...]
