SC House Committee Sets Aside $180 Million for Harbor Deepening

The Charleston Harbor is more than 3,800 miles away from the Panama Canal Expansion which is underway and set to be complete in two years. With their canal doubling, cargo ships are getting larger.

In order to remain the deepest harbor in the region and maintain a competitive advantage, the South Carolina Ports Authority said the harbor needs to deepen to 50 feet.

"We're already seeing that size of ship coming in to Charleston today albeit on a high tide so what we're trying to create is a harbor that's deep enough to handle the deepest ships under any tidal condition," said Allison Skipper of the South Carolina Ports Authority.

Wednesday the state House committee agreed to pay 60% of the construction cost. A terrific step in the right direction, according to officials who said the remaining 40% will have to come from federal funding.

"We're hopeful that this will put the feds on the line so to speak and will require them to get serious about full funding," Representative Chip Limehouse said.

The Ports Authority said Washington is listening to concerns about the deepening project. "Last week, President Obama included $3.5 million in the president's budget, the first time he's ever included Charleston's project in the presidential budget for the study," Skipper said.

Now it's a matter of getting the Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with the deepening. Although their time frame, like most issues with the port, is not always met with agreement.

"Their 14 year time frame that they've outlined to dredge the harbor is totally unacceptable," Rep. Limehouse said. "We're not going to stand for that, we need to condense that down to about five or six years at the most. I'd like to see it done in three."

The Ports Authority said they are working with the Corps to speed the process as much as possible.

Not deepening the harbor means a risk of losing the cargo ships that will be too big for the port, which means they could go farther away and consumers would absorb the transportation cost. That's why the Ports Authority said this project translates to cheaper costs for companies and consumers.

The full House of Representatives will take up the budget in early March.  

Quotes from House Members: 

“South Carolina is serious about deepening the Port of Charleston and making our state more competitive. Instead of using this year’s revenue surplus to grow government, we want to devote a significant portion of that surplus to funding our state’s share of the deepening project. In this year’s state budget, currently being debated in full committee this week, we are putting $180 million in a Harbor Deepening Reserve Fund, sending Washington a clear message that South Carolina is ready to move forward on this – now.”- Rep. Bobby Harrell, Speaker of the House of Representatives 

“Our state depends on the Port of Charleston to attract investment and talent, evidenced by the many companies in the Upstate – such as Michelin – that do business across the globe each day using our seaports. This committee recognizes that the steps we take today ensure a bright future for South Carolina.” - Rep. Brian White, Chairman, Ways and Means Committee 

“The future of South Carolina really is contingent upon the future of our port, and the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project is an essential part of that. By funding the state’s share of deepening now, we are showing that we as a state are serious about our competitive position relative to other ports in this region and the Port of Charleston’s role as a major player in global shipping.”-  Rep. Jim Merrill, Vice Chairman, Review and Oversight Commission on the South Carolina Ports Authority 

“The $180 million from the state for the deepening project marks an important step as we move to creating a true post-Panamax harbor in Charleston to serve the region. I look forward to seeing the study for Charleston’s deepening project completed as fast as possible so we can fire up the dredges.”-  Rep. Chip Limehouse, Vice Chairman, Ways and Means Committee; Chairman, Charleston County Legislative Delegation 

“Creating jobs is a huge priority for South Carolina. The success of our port drives our state’s economic success as we compete with other states for new business and investment to come to South Carolina.”- Rep. Gary Simrill, Chairman, Economic Development and Natural Resources Subcommittee 

“Companies in our state do a phenomenal job exporting their goods to overseas markets. By modernizing our state’s harbors, we create more opportunities for South Carolinians to succeed in a globally competitive marketplace.”- Rep. Kenny Bingham, House Majority Leader; Member, Ways and Means Committee 

“With the President including funds for Charleston’s deepening study just last week, we are obligated as a state to be ready to fund our part of the project’s construction. This ensures we can complete the deepening as quickly as possible.”-  Rep. Harry Ott, House Minority Leader; Member, Ways and Means Committee 

“I’ve seen first-hand how the port can impact a company’s decision to come to South Carolina. Bridgestone Firestone is locating in Aiken and bringing 850 jobs to the county, and it wouldn’t be possible without access to a competitive, deepwater port.”- Rep. Bill Clyburn, Chairman, Black Caucus; Member, Ways and Means Committee