Posted on February 21, 2024
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCIV) — In 2022, South Carolina Ports broke ground on its Navy Base Intermodal Facility, a project that could change the flow of cargo traffic in the area and bring economic change to the state. Port leaders say the facility is on schedule to open in 2025.
The Navy base will become a complete rail served cargo yard, and some current major updates include renovation and realignment done to the roads surrounding the terminal. Now, SC Ports officials are preparing to install the initial rally yard components.
Leaders say benefits of the facility will be economic growth as it will bring new jobs and a chance for businesses to grow.
“The most important thing to our customers is that they see that South Carolina Ports has a growth story, that we have ability to expand and to grow with their business into the future. So, as you look at all 46 counties around South Carolina, they’re all tied to the port,” Byron Miller the Chief Commercial Officer for South Carolina Ports, said. “They all rely on us being a productive and successful port. And as we attract new industry and new investment and new jobs, they all want to know that their port’s gonna be able to grow with them, and South Carolina Ports has that story.”
The facility was also designed with more than just an economic impact in mind. Leaders say this project will make trucks off the road to cut down on traffic. There is also an entire space dedicated to the Charleston community.
“One, the positive economic benefits. South Carolina Ports accounts for about one in every nine jobs, so anytime the port does well, the community does well. And the second part is that it allows us to grow responsibly. So, as we continue to try to grow cargo through the port, we want to do so in a way that’s respectful of the neighbors,” Miller continued. “There’s a new community center that’s a part of this project as well. So in addition to the reduction in truck traffic, the reduction in emissions, there’s definitely a community benefit all around the project.”
