1990
Jasper County’s plan to build a port terminal on the Savannah
River is turned down by the South Carolina State Ports Authority
(SCSPA)
1991
South Carolina State Budget and Control Board concludes that
economic benefits associated with the proposed port would benefit
Savannah significantly more than South Carolina
1992
South Carolina Legislative Audit Control Board suggests to the
South Carolina General Assembly Jasper County site as an alternative
to Daniel Island near Charleston
2000
Jasper County officials pursue agreement with Stevedoring Services
of America to develop the Jasper port.
2001
Southern Environmental Law Center files suit with the Army Corps
of Engineers, requesting that any environmental studies for
the proposed Savannah River harbor deepening project include
the Jasper Port site as an alternative stopping point. The
litigation is dismissed on the grounds that the timing for
the suit was not right (too early.) The ruling however ensures
that all NEPA and Endangered Species Act (ESA) claims can be
brought in the future.
2003
SC Supreme Court ruling denies Jasper County the right to condemn
the intended port site property – citing that it would
benefit private interests (SSA) rather than public. The right
of the State Ports Authority to condemn the site is judged
as the overriding right to condemn.
2004
After failing to reach a compromise with the South Carolina
State Ports Authority, Jasper County continues to pursue
port – establishes
a Jasper Ports Authority.
January 2005
Jasper County files to condemn intended port property.
SCSPA votes to acquire the Jasper County property
April 2005
SCSPA files an action against the Georgia Department of Transportation,
which at the time owns the port site land, to condemn property.
Jasper County files a motion to intervene, asserting right to
condemn.
April 2006
SCSPA condemnation lawsuits were dismissed by the South Carolina
State Supreme Court.
March 2007
South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford and Georgia Governor Sonny
Perdue sign a Memorandum of Understanding that sets forth a
framework for a bi-state port. As a symbolic and memorable
gesture, the governors exchange neckties.
November 2007
The Joint Project Office (make this a link to the Joint Project
Office page), a body to oversee the bi-state port process,
is created.
