Proposed Charleston Terminal Prompts New Hearing

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) _ About 100 people are attending another public hearing on plans by the South Carolina State Ports Authority for a $35 million passenger cruise terminal in Charleston. Many of those attending wore stickers saying “Cruise Control Now.” The cruise issue in Charleston has sparked lawsuits in both state and federal courts. About 200 people turned out last spring for a hearing on a state permit. But the plans have been revised and the state Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management held another hearing Wednesday. The revisions include changes to the building and outside covered areas to handle passengers and baggage. Cruise opponents say they’re a public nuisance. Supporters say the industry provides jobs and Charleston can handle limited cruises.