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Torchi pleads guilty to two charges in wildfire case

October 28, 2009 By

In April, the worst wildfire South Carolina had ever seen spread through Horry County land destroying 76 homes. Today, the man charged in connection with starting that fire stood trial in Myrtle Beach solely on charges for the debris burn in his yard, not for the wildfire. State Forestry spokesman Scott Hawkins says at the last minute this morning, Marc Torchi struck a plea deal with the judge.

“He pled guilty for both tickets we had written him for that outdoor debris burn on April 18 that burned his neighbors land. So, he was fined $732, which is pretty much the maximum fine for these two tickets which were written,” says Hawkins.

Hawkins explains what the tickets were for: “Failure to notify the South Carolina Forestry Commission about an outdoor debris burn, and allowing fire to spread the lands of another,” says Hawkins. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Accidents & Disasters, Crime & Courts, News

Graham hopeful about Boeing

October 28, 2009 By

The South Carolina State Senate sent out a loud signal to Boeing that the state wants the corporation to establish its second assembly line for the 787 airliner in North Charleston. On Tuesday. state senators ok’d by a 44-0 vote lower interest construction bonds and incentives that include a sales tax exemption on fuel used in test flights. To qualify, a company would have to bring at least 3,800 jobs and at least $750 million in investment to the state over seven years.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said Wednesday that if Boeing decides to locate in North Charleston it would be a transfomative event for the state of South Carolina. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business, Economy, Legislature, Politics & Government

Charleston airport looks for new carrier, AirTran departs

October 28, 2009 By

As the economy still shows some struggling signs, less people are flying. AirTran Airways has decided to leave the Charleston International Airport, and now the airport is looking into incentives to lure new carriers in AirTran’s place.

Charleston International Airport Authority spokeswoman Sue Stevens explains what’s next: “We continue to work with the airlines as best we can. As you know, AirTran was here for about two and half years, they did well in this market as far as the number of people who flew AirTran, their load factors were good, but their revenue wasn’t high enough. They felt they needed more revenue to make their business model work here in Charleston, and with the current economic downturn, less business people traveling, they just weren’t able to make money on this route,” says Stevens.

Stevens says despite the recent departure of AirTran, overall Charleston still has good numbers. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business, News, Transportation

Rawl: SC is the place for big business

October 28, 2009 By

In a special session this week the legislature discussed giving tax breaks to big companies to move into South Carolina. South Carolina Chamber of Commerce President Otis Rawl says this type of investment comes every few years.

“When you talk about a company that’s going to invest over $750 million and hire over 3,500 people. That’s a significant investment in this state and when you look at what that contributes back to the community in property taxes and the income taxes that come off of it. Those significant investments mean a lot to communities and to this state,” says Rawl.

In discussion right now, the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, may choose Charleston to set up a new 787 jetliner assembly line. Rawl says he thinks South Carolina has a good chance for more business. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business, Legislature, News, Politics & Government

SC Senate increases incentives as Boeing looks on

October 28, 2009 By

Various media outlets including the Seattle Times are reporting that the South Carolina Department of Commerce is preparing a confidential proposal to Boeing under the code name Project Gemini.

Meanwhile back at the South Carolina Statehouse, the Senate Finance Committee debated a bill Tuesday providing sales tax exemptions for companies creating at least 3,800 jobs which invest $750 million over 7 years, including the sale of economic development bonds. Sales tax exemptions include one aimed at aircraft manufacturers to exempt fuel purchases.

Following Tuesday’s Committee meeting, Finance Chair Hugh Leatherman took the incentives to the Senate floor, where they were approved 44 to 0.

Leatherman said the Palmetto State has attracted a lot of industry over the last decade, but at the same time has not been as competitive as it once was. He said communication with the state’s Secretary of Commerce confirmed that after checking on other states. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business, Legislature, News
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