Port of Charleston leadership updates committee on capacity, Jasper project and plans to pursue growth

Michael Jackson introduced Michael Malice, president and CEO of the State Port Authority, and Phil Paget, the port’s chief financial officer. Malice told the committee the port remains a major economic driver, saying it generates an estimated $87 billion in annual impact across the state and describing the authority as "1 of the top 10 US container ports today." He said the industry has seen volume declines, and the port is redirecting capital expenditures toward growth initiatives rather than additional infrastructure in the immediate term.

On the proposed Jasper County logistics site, Jackson said there are funds previously appropriated for the project but no active partner at present and that any development would likely move cargo through Savannah in the near term. Port staff said they have slowed construction on certain projects while they negotiate operating agreements with CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads; they estimated the facility could be online around 2028 if partner agreements and demand align.

Malice told lawmakers Charleston Harbor, including planned phases of Leatherman Terminal and recently acquired properties, provides capacity for the next 15–20 years. Members asked about interjurisdictional competition with the Georgia Ports Authority and how the Jasper project would be funded; port representatives said the Jasper funds referenced a prior proviso account and would not require new appropriations if used for that site.

The committee received the update but did not vote on budget actions for the port during the session.