CHARLESTON, SC -- December 11, 2018 -- Today the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced a $25 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to support the expansion at South Carolina Ports Authority's (SCPA) Inland Port Greer, and the extension of Norfolk Southern's Carlisle Passing Siding.
"We are very appreciative for the support of our Congressional delegation, SC Governor Henry McMaster, Secretary Chao, and the USDOT," said Bill Stern, SCPA Board Chairman. "This is a strong, collaborative partnership by public and private entities, something the Trump Administration has put an emphasis on. We are proud to partner with these entities to better improve our infrastructure in South Carolina. While this project may be in the Upstate, it will serve the entire Southeast region for years to come."
The expansion of Inland Port Greer will increase terminal capacity, allow for additional storage and processing tracks inside the terminal which will improve rail capacity, efficiency and flexibility, and expand on-terminal support facilities.
"As SC Ports continues to see record growth, this funding is critical for the expansion efforts at Inland Port Greer," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "This project will support local manufacturing, increase capacity for logistics growth, and improve transportation networks supporting traffic flows for imports and exports throughout the state and region."
"This grant award underscores the importance in partnering to build for the future of economic growth in South Carolina," stated Rob Martinez, Vice President of Business Development and Real Estate at Norfolk Southern. "Norfolk Southern commends Secretary Elaine Chao, Governor McMaster, the entire SC delegation, our project partners and SCDOT in this historic undertaking. Completion of the Upstate Express Corridor is an essential component for each partners shared growth and we are grateful for this opportunity to build for South Carolina's future."
The South Carolina Department of Transportation, Norfolk Southern, BMW, and the South Carolina Ports Authority partnered together for the grant application.
"This grant enhances the multimodal transportation infrastructure in our state significantly," said Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall. "Our overall transportation system serves as the infrastructure for economic development on a scale that improves the lives of all South Carolinians."
"Like many companies in the region, BMW Manufacturing has benefited from the inland port since its opening in 2013," said Sky Foster, Department Manager, BMW Corporate Communications. "The inland port has been essential for our day-to-day logistics operations and in our ability to expand production and add new models. We appreciate the support of the state and federal Departments of Transportation, the South Carolina Ports Authority and other partners that worked diligently to secure this funding."
About South Carolina Ports Authority
South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA), established by the state's General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport and intermodal facilities in Charleston, Dillon, Georgetown and Greer. As an economic development engine for the state, Port operations facilitate 187,200 statewide jobs and generate nearly $53 billion annual economic activity. SCPA is soon to be home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, and the Port is an industry leader in delivering speed-to-market, seamless processes and flexibility to ensure reliable operations, big ship handling, efficient market reach and environmental responsibility. For more information on SCPA, please visit www.scspa.com.