After months of talk, SC rail dispute now in court

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — After months of fruitless talks, the dispute between North Charleston and the state over a railroad terminal to serve a new South Carolina port has gone to courts.

North Charleston sued the state in federal and state courts this month over plans to build a rail terminal in the middle of the old Charleston Naval Base. The city wants the line moved farther south.

Mayor Keith Summey and Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt say they’re hopeful both sides can sit down again and reach an agreement.

The city opposes the state plan saying it will hurt its ongoing urban renewal efforts.

The state says its location for the rail yard is better because it gives both major railroads serving the area equal access.