For the past eight months, I've had the privilege of serving as a board member for the South Carolina State Ports Authority.

During this short time, I've observed a port system that is run by a seasoned management team in an efficient, effective manner. Based on almost 40 years of experience at Lockheed Martin and General Electric, including the last 15 years in senior-level roles, I can honestly say that the Ports Authority is a world-class organization. Therefore, I was quite surprised by state Rep. Dwight Loftis' recent column saying the opposite about our Ports Authority, particularly with regard to port development on the Savannah River in Jasper County.

From an insider's view, I can assure you the Ports Authority intends to expand on the Savannah River, and we have the means to fund our expansion needs. Based on market evaluations and projections, South Carolina must expand at both the former Charleston Naval Complex and on the Savannah River. The Ports Authority intends to develop both sites as quickly as possible. Both developments are vital to the state's future economic health and to the success of companies across the Upstate. The Charleston and Savannah River projects are complimentary.

Expansion at two locations will take significant investment, perhaps approaching a billion and a half dollars. Fortunately, the Ports Authority is in a position to realize both without taxpayer funding of the capital needs. Over the last 15 years, we have invested about $400 million in ports' capital improvements. Last year, the Ports Authority's operations generated approximately $68 million in cash flow. By generating this level of cash flow and by selling our property on Daniel Island and in Port Royal, we can cover the costs.

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In addition to these sources of funds, the Ports Authority is currently evaluating three proposals from consortia of nine shipping companies that will guarantee shipping volume at our ports in exchange for long-term access. This volume is another significant bonding opportunity. The Ports Authority can categorically afford expansion in both locations.

Finally, regarding the issue of who should run a port facility on the Savannah River, Jasper County has signed an agreement with the subsidiary of a privately owned stevedoring firm, SSA Marine (SSA), to run the facility, if the county were to proceed. We hear a lot about outsourcing, and I've always been a proponent for putting work where it can be most effectively and efficiently performed. But you only outsource if the work can be done less expensively, more efficiently, or if you need your personnel resources for other activity. None of these apply to port expansion in South Carolina, so the Ports Authority should lead the project in Jasper County.

Just recently, the world's largest ocean carrier ranked our Ports Authority as the most efficiently run port in the United States. That's pretty impressive. So why change the model? Quite honestly, our ports are the envy of many, and the model not only provides for efficient results, but also gives the state an economic develop tool that governmental officials can use in attracting new industry.

In the case of SSA, it appears to be a fine company, but it's not perfect. It is a business and will work in its best interest. Just ask the folks in Texas City, Texas. SSA has been planning a similar facility there. A recent headline in The (Galveston) Daily News reported "Mega port has been a mega-wait." SSA reportedly has been unable to land a customer following a ceremonial ground breaking two years ago. SSA is a terminal operator, not a shipping company, so like the Ports Authority it has to attract customers. With no volume commitment, there's no business and no economic development.

It's time for the Ports Authority to move forward with plans to expand our state's port infrastructure in Charleston and in Jasper County. The rest of the world knows that we have a great port system, and we in the state of South Carolina need to start leveraging and supporting this wonderful asset.