Officials urge inland port in Orangeburg

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) — Orangeburg area leaders want improved state incentives to develop an inland port.

The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg reports (http://bit.ly/ONBSL4 ) leaders discussed the idea with officials of the state Chamber of Commerce on Thursday. The chamber is developing its legislative priorities for next year.

Orangeburg County Development Commission Executive Director Gregg Robinson suggested areas in Orangeburg, Colleton or Dorchester counties could be a port site. He says more needs to be done to develop the Interstate 95 corridor.

Former county administrator Bill Clark says it’s hard for rural areas to develop such infrastructure because of the lack of a tax base.

The State Ports Authority is pursing plans for an inland port near Greer. At an inland port, containers are moved to trains for easier shipment to the coast.

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Information from: The Times & Democrat, http://www.timesanddemocrat.com