DILLON, SC (WBTW) – SC Ports Authority announced plans Monday for a second inland port in Dillon.
The release says the new inland port will support growth of intermodal container volumes and expand access to markets in neighboring states.
The SCPA Board of Directors approved the resolution Monday authorizing construction of the terminal in the Carolinas I-95 Mega Site slated to begin in the first quarter of 2017.
Located in the “Pee Dee” region of South Carolina, the site was selected for its proximity to I-95, a critical transportation artery in the Southeast, as well as a significant base of existing Port users in the area that represent base cargo opportunities for the facility.
“Inland Port Greer has allowed the Port to increase the cargo volumes moved by intermodal rail and become a key catalyst for economic development in the Upstate,” said Pat McKinney, SCPA Board Chairman. “We are confident that Inland Port Dillon will realize similar benefits for the Port and our customers, increase local business opportunities and provide solid job growth. We appreciate the involvement and support of the state and federal agencies assisting the Port to make this project a reality.”
The site is served by an existing CSX mainline, which provides overnight access to the Port of Charleston.
A study of the market potential and proposed terminal layout was completed since the SCPA first announced its consideration of the Dillon site in April. The Port will now move into the design phase of the project, with the initial terminal build out expected to accommodate 45,000 containers annually.
