The proposed Jasper Ocean Terminal would be located downstream of the Georgia Ports Authority on the Savannah River. It would be on the South Carolina side, but jointly run the two states. (photo Georgia Ports Authority)
Officials from South Carolina's Beaufort and Jasper Counties have questioned the state's committment to the Jasper Ocean Terminal for a long time.
Beaufort and Jasper officials often have seemed at odds with their state's leaders over a decades-old proposal to build a new port on the Savannah River -- one that Charleston power brokers believe could be competition.
So when Haley's appointments didn't include any local names, one Beaufort-area South Carolina lawmaker -- Bill Herbkersman -- raised concern.
South Carolina ports authority board member Dave Posek says, it's an unfounded concern.
"We're all behind it 100% as a board," Posek says. "There's a requirement to have nine members and that's basically what she's done. It's her choice as to who she puts on that board."
Posek says, a task force assigned with moving the new port forward plans to meet this summer.
The proposed Jasper Ocean Terminal is a joint project between Georgia and South Carolina.
