SCPA approves US$147m spending

Approving the 2013 fiscal year budget, which begins July 1, the plan projects an 8% increase in container volume and US$146.9m in capital spending on major investments such as the construction of the new Navy Base Terminal and upgrades to facility infrastructure and information systems.

\”This aggressive investment plan for our ports mirrors the significant investment of our state toward realising the Charleston Harbour Deepening Project,\” said SCPA Chairman Bill Stern, referring to the US$180m budget allocation approved by both houses of the South Carolina legislature this session. An additional US$120m towards the deepening project\’s construction is being considered by the budget conference committee.

Stern continued, \”In making these commitments to our port infrastructure, we are ensuring that South Carolina has the tools to spur the economic growth and job creation that comes with having world-class port facilities.\”