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Charleston, South Carolina Railyard Plans are Steaming Ahead

The railroad industry’s resurgence to facilitate US and global commerce is seeding the plans of state commerce departments to improve port infrastructure as many states are looking to dedicate railway connections from the logistics hubs to the maritime ports. After much conflict of interests and public/private sector land disputes, South Carolina and the city of North Charleston are in détente as plans for the new Intermodal Railyard get underway. History of Disparity with North Charleston and S.C. Commerce Department In 2010, the city of North Charleston was not initially on board with the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s visionary plans for the proposed rail yard to be located on the former Charleston Naval Base where it would be accessible by both the Norfolk Southern and CSX Corporation rail lines. The S.C. Commerce department’s position projected the Intermodal Railyard development would strengthen state and local businesses, bringing increased commerce to the port of Charleston. However, North Charleston had different concerns. The city’s contention was to maintain private ownership of the land and its vested interest was residential protection and its riverfront attractions. North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey brought a lawsuit against the S.C. Commerce department, citing the state’s disregard of its…
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