SC House overrides Haley’s veto on port permit

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina House has voted overwhelmingly to override Gov. Nikki Haley’s veto on a bill meant to help undo a permit allowing Georgia to expand its port in Savannah.

The House voted 111-1 Tuesday, a day after the Republican governor issued her veto. Republican Rep. Ralph Norman of Rock Hill cast the only vote to uphold it.

The measure would retroactively suspend the Department of Health and Environment Control’s ability to make dredging decisions in the river shared with Georgia. Legislators believe it strengthens their case in court.

The Senate also is expected to override. It postponed that vote until Wednesday due to a timing rule.

Haley says the measure represents legislative overreaching into an agency’s ruling.

Rep. Jim Merrill says her veto message is a contradictory political ploy.