Ports Authority Bill

Our state has an economic gem that is frequently overlooked by folks who don’t live in and around Charleston. The Port of Charleston is an engine that powers business and job creation from the coast to the mountains. Access to an easy-to-access port is a must for any company that is a major importer or exporter – which are the qualities of most any major manufacturer that creates large numbers of jobs. Over the past several years, however, we have seen the port’s traffic fall and its stature drop in the marketplace. Since the Port of Charleston is operated by the State of South Carolina, the General Assembly needed to act to make our port more accountable to taxpayers and more efficient to its customers.

One of the leading concerns that we have is that South Carolina needs to expand its port facilities to accommodate an increasing number of companies wanting fewer delays in getting goods on and off their ships. Growing our container capacity will help spur the economy and create jobs.

The first reforms were a number of changes to the qualifications of who can be on the board, the length of service of board members, and the selection of the board. Those are mostly inside baseball items that probably would not interest most folks outside the political arena.

It’s the economic meat of the bill that interested conservatives. Under the terms of the legislation, the board is charged with creating a long-term financial plan, putting its check registry online, and giving the Governor a complete list of all expenditures. This way, we can be sure our tax dollars are being used to boost production at the port and expand our economy.

Most importantly, we directed the Port Authority to finish the new container terminal in North Charleston and to pursue public/private partnerships that we hope will jump-start projects like the Jasper port.

A strong, vibrant port is key to helping grow our economy. These reforms will help the port – and our state’s entire economy – move forward so we can create jobs.

Next week looks like it will be the final week of the 2009 Legislative Session, as we try to adjourn two weeks early and save taxpayers another $100,000. There are many major issues left – including the expected budget vetoes from Governor Mark Sanford. I am sure it will be a long week on the House floor as everyone tries to get their legislation through before the end of the legislative year.

In conclusion, I want to welcome Rep. Dennis Moss to the House Republican Caucus. He announced Friday that he would be switching parties and joining the Republicans. There may be some who criticize his motives, but Rep. Moss has a conservative voting record and the Caucus will welcome him warmly when he joins us in Columbia next week.

As always, thank you for the privilege of serving you in Columbia. If I can ever be of assistance to you, or if you have ideas on issues you want me to share with the rest of the General Assembly, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 963-0337 or in Columbia at 803 734-3045