State port officials have made a compelling case for port expansion based on increased use and demand, its importance to economic health and the need to remain competitive. The port of Charleston faces the likelihood of becoming an also-ran among East Coast ports, and soon, if its proposal to expand on the former Navy base isn't approved.

The local business community understands the port's importance and the necessity to provide for its growth, as its numbers at a public hearing on Thursday attest. The port provides for thousands of well-paying jobs locally, and many more statewide.

Economic development also depends on the capacity of the port to accommodate the shipping industry. Without economic growth, the state's average income will continue to lag far behind the nation. Without the ability to grow, the port will languish and so will the state's economy.

The SPA has scaled down its ambitious expansion plans by more than 75 percent since it abandoned the proposed Daniel Island site. Its proposal to occupy a portion of the former Navy Base would handle projected growth for the next generation.

No question, the Navy Base site will have to be redeveloped as a port with the nearby residents of North Charleston in mind. The fact that the expansion would take place on an abandoned military base located in an industrial area makes that task easier. So does the base's proximity to I-26, and the support of the Legislature for new access between the interstate and the port site. As planned, that access will bypass existing neighborhoods, thereby removing the greatest potential for negative consequences.

Port officials must be mindful that the development and operation of the new port facility at the Navy Base is considerate of the community and its quality of life. They should follow the advice of North Charleston Councilman Kurt Taylor and "impose all reasonable requirements within your authority to minimize those impacts."

Meanwhile, area residents should recognize the link between port growth and regional prosperity. The SPA's comparatively modest expansion plans deserve broad community support as the agency seeks necessary federal permits to allow work to finally commence.