Georgetown County takes step toward redevelopment of Georgetown Port

GEORGETOWN COUNTY, SC – Georgetown County is taking a step toward reimagining what officials call one of its most valuable assets.

The county has issued a request for qualifications to begin development of a master plan for the redevelopment of the Georgetown Port property.

This means the county is seeking proposals from national-caliber planning and development experts to help shape the vision for the master plan.

“The Port is one of our county’s most valuable assets, and through this effort, we are laying the foundation for transformative redevelopment that will benefit Georgetown County residents and businesses for generations to come,” Georgetown County Economic Development Director Kelly Robertson-Slagle said.

The request for qualifications process stays open for six weeks, then interested firms will come for a site visit and an information session at the port next month before submitting proposals.

After review, three to five firms will be asked to submit detailed proposals to lead development of the master plan.

Robertson-Slagle laid out the county’s vision of the property, calling the redevelopment a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Georgetown County takes step toward redevelopment of Georgetown Port(Georgetown County)

“Five years from now, we see the Georgetown Port as a reimagined waterfront destination — a place where innovation, commerce, and community converge,” Robertson-Slagle said. “What is today an underutilized property will be on its way to becoming a vibrant hub that draws investment, attracts visitors, and inspires pride across Georgetown County. The Port will symbolize resilience and renewal, blending modern economic opportunities with our rich maritime heritage.”

Georgetown County leaders have long identified the port’s redevelopment as a key priority.

The county took ownership of the 40-acre property in 2023.

When Georgetown became a port of entry in 1732, the port became a key driver in the area’s economy, handling 1.8 million tons of cargo in 2000, the county said.

But by 2017, the port’s activity declined to 7,500 tons, and the last cargo ship came through in 2016.

A structural assessment of the property revealed that $13.6 million is needed to repair issues, according to the county.

“Today, the port property is best described as ‘rough,’ though it continues to house a handful of businesses,” the county’s news release states.

However, the release also states that County Administrator Angela Christian and her team have made significant progress in preparing the site, clearing environmental hurdles and positioning the property for redevelopment.

The request for qualifications will be posted through Georgetown County’s procurement system and is available to interested firms nationwide.

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