The State Ports Authority's decision to grant $1 million toward the preservation of Morris Island, as part of its mitigation plan for the development of a new port, was a stroke of brilliance. It will help the long-delayed port expansion to finally proceed and will virtually ensure public ownership of the barrier island.

Mitigation is required because the SPA will alter wetlands and require dredging for a new port at the former Charleston Navy Base. In most respects, the SPA's planned improvements to the port site, much of which is contaminated from base operations, would appear to be mitigation enough.

The SPA also plans other major contributions to mitigate any ill effects of the port on the nearby North Charleston community. It will provide $1 million for affordable housing, as well as funding for increased opportunities in vocational education that will be administered by the city of North Charleston.

SPA President Bernard S. Groseclose cautions that all donations are contingent on gaining final approval for the port. "We're not going to mitigate if we don't build a terminal," he says. The port expansion should be allowed to proceed on its own merits, which include the economic well-being of the state.

The SPA's contribution to Morris Island almost certainly means that the island and its historic Civil War battlefield will remain off limits for development in perpetuity. Morris Island became the site of the first battle extensively involving black soldiers in American history when the Massachusetts 54th Infantry Regiment charged Battery Wagner, held by Confederate defenders. The pristine island also provides vital wild-life habitat in the center of a rapidly developing metropolitan area.

With other contributions, the Trust for Public Land has all but $250,000 guaranteed for purchase of the island from real estate developer Bobby Ginn, whose generosity has made the acquisition possible. Mr. Ginn is selling it at substantially less than he paid for it and has committed additional funds to help plan its future public use.

Other major contributors include the state Conservation Bank and the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission. Each has given $1.5 million. The PRC is expected to manage the property after its purchase.

Private donors have collectively given $250,000. There's still time to make an individiual contribution to help preserve an important part of history. Contributions can be made to the Save Morris Island Campaign; the Trust for Public Land; 21 Burns Lane, Suite 200; Charleston, S.C. 29401.