Jasper, the poor county in the southeastern corner of the state, has flexed its muscle to protect a commitment it has pursued for a decade to build a shipping terminal within its border on the Savannah River.

Notice the subtle change in description from port to shipping terminal. Heretofore current and former county officials have referred, at least publicly, to the public-private business venture as a port.

Last week Jasper County officials presented the S.C. Supreme Court its response to a lawsuit filed by the State Ports Authority challenging the county's authority to build a new port in the state. Today, South Carolina has three ports, but business at Port Royal has been halted and the property will be sold, leaving only Georgetown and Charleston operational.

Jasper County would partner with Seattle-based SSA Marine to build what is described today as a shipping terminal. The Supreme Court in 2003 said the project didn't show enough public interest to warrant condemnation of the property owned by the Georgia Ports Authority. Georgia has used the 1,863 acres as a dumpsite for dredge spoil from the Port of Savannah and the river channel.

Jasper County views the $450 million project as economic salvation for the community. While a study shows that a profit may not be achieved for 17 years, jobs at the facility and from peripheral businesses would be a boost to the county's economy, as well as the education system.

Jasper officials continue to claim that the Ports Authority has no interest in building a port. Sen. Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, said last month that not a cent should be spent on another port until the Port of Charleston expansion has been completed. Sen. Clementa Pinckney, D-Jasper, said after a meeting with a Ports Authority subcommittee last week that the authority has no firm plan and that Jasper's plan is the best opportunity to move forward.

Much is riding on the potential shipping terminal. In December Beaufort businessmen and women heard that a new port could create 300 high-paying jobs and the potential for 3,000 spinoff jobs, bringing huge economic growth to Jasper and Georgia.

A united front may be the best opportunity for the state to realize a port in Jasper County, but that seems remote until the Supreme Court ruling.

The hope is that the Supreme Court will decide soon whether the modern-day version of David or Goliath, or both, have the authority to own a shipping terminal in Jasper County.