South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford hit on some local issues today in the Low Country. During a Rotary Club luncheon today in Beaufort, Gov. Sanford talked about the development of the Port of Port Royal, annexation, and the proposed port in Jasper County.

He came out against the annexation battles that have been going on across Beaufort County, including Beaufort's efforts to annex two properties in Seabrook and Grays Hill, which would mean thousands of new homes. He says the annexation of property may increase the tax base, but it could lead to other problems.

While the legal battle over the Jasper County port continues, the governor says the state's ports authority should have control of it so the state can get this port and one in North Charleston built.

"If we took some of what will happen in North Charleston and made sure more of that is with private investment, it would open up more money in public investment," Gov. Sanford said. "And the public investment part of the equation is important if you're going to pass the litmus test for public use in this battle between South Carolina and Georgia on who controls or owns the property."

While the governor is hoping the legal battle will soon come to an end, he says he's not sure how long it will take to make the port a reality.

Reported by: Jaime Dailey, jdailey@wtoc.com