Posted on Wed, Dec. 20, 2006

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Sanford wants money for port access road

Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Gov. Mark Sanford said Wednesday he wants $100 million in the state budget next year to start construction on a road to link a new port terminal in North Charleston with Interstate 26.

The State Ports Authority plans to build a new terminal at the old Charleston Navy Base that would be capable of handling three ships simultaneously.

Sanford said he would seek the $177 million needed to complete the road in future budgets.

"Port capacity has never been a more important part of our competitive advantage as a state," Sanford said in releasing another segment of his budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

Sanford said he looks forward to working with lawmakers on the new terminal in North Charleston, as well as one proposed for the Savannah River in Jasper County.

Lawmakers will begin work on the state budget next month.