Charleston, SC - Today, the Port of Charleston took a major step toward developing a new marine terminal at the former Charleston Navy Base -- at its monthly Board meeting, the South Carolina State Ports Authority awarded an environmental consulting contract to begin permitting for the new terminal.
Applied Technology & Management (ATM -- http://www.appliedtm.com) was selected to initiate the environmental study required to permit a new three-berth, 250-acre container terminal at the Base. Permit applications were filed earlier this year.
Eleven firms responded to the initial request for qualifications. From a short-list of five firms, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District Engineer selected ATM, which has offices in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Rhode Island.
ATM will be under contract to the Ports Authority, but will work under the direction of the Corps in developing the documents. The various permitting? agencies will rely on information produced by ATM to issue a Record of Decision on the permit application.
ATM will work with the Corps on the scoping process over the next six months. It is expected that all of the studies and public involvement needed to acquire permits will take about two years and cost $1.8 million.
Fortunately, the new terminal at the Navy Base enjoys broad public and political support. Letters of support have been filed by S.C. Governor Mark Sanford, City of North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey and members of the state's U.S. Congressional Delegation. Earlier this year, the S.C. General Assembly passed a resolution encouraging an expedited permitting process.