COLUMBIA--State Senate leaders said Tuesday
developing a port in Jasper County should take a back seat to efforts by
the State Ports Authority to expand at the old Charleston Naval Base.
Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, said "not a
nickel" of state money should go to the Jasper port until the expansion in
North Charleston is complete.
"We don't need to start blurring our vision and diverting our
attentions to other horizons," McConnell told about 200 business leaders
and others at the annual meeting where the State Chamber of Commerce lays
out its priorities for the legislative session.
The State Ports Authority is pursuing permits to build a $500 million
terminal at the old naval base. It also wants to build on an almost
1,800-acre site on the Savannah River where Jasper County has been
pursuing plans to build with a private port developer.
Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, said the county should continue to
pursue private efforts to develop the port. "Let's pay for what we've got
in Charleston," he said.
Senate Majority Leader Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, said he has
appointed a subcommittee to start looking at port issues, including
whether a port in Jasper County would affect the state's planned expansion
in North Charleston.
Some House members expressed more support for the Jasper port. The
North Charleston expansion on its own will not provide enough space and
resources for the State Ports Authority, said Rep. Bobby Harrell,
R-Charleston. That's why discussion should move forward on the Jasper
port, he said.
The state Chamber of Commerce laid out a six-point agenda for the
legislative session that Board Chairman Mack Whittle says is aimed at
increasing South Carolina's per capita income.
-- Passage of the Education and Economic Development Act that allows
students to choose classes and electives early in their high school career
geared toward vocational interests.
-- Lawsuit reform to limit "venue shopping" and address frivolous
lawsuits.
-- Generating more money to improve South Carolina highways.
-- Continued support of endowed chair programs at research
universities.
-- Reforming workers compensation laws.
-- Medicaid reform, which would include funding the system with
cigarette tax.