It's no secret that companies locate where they know they can be successful. A major component in determining whether a business will thrive is its ability to efficiently and effectively transport goods.
Fortunately, Team South Carolina's commitment to distribution and logistics has made our state internationally-known not just for making things and making them well, but also for our skill in getting those things where they need to go. South Carolina's robust logistics resources are boosted by our favorable location, vast infrastructure and port assets.
The S.C. Ports Authority (SCPA) is a key player in supporting the state's commerce and economic development efforts. This week, the SCPA announced a new milestone - record cargo volumes at the Port of Charleston in fiscal year 2019. The SCPA handled nearly 2.4 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) from July 2018 through June 2019, an 8.8 percent increase in annual TEU container volume. Inland Port Greer also reported its busiest fiscal year yet with a nearly 22 percent increase in rail moves.
These achievements prove why the sustained development of our port and overall state infrastructure is so important to future economic growth.
Team S.C.'s commitment to deepen the Charleston Harbor to 52 feet, making it the deepest shipping channel on the East Coast, along with our two inland ports in Dillon and Greer, will ensure that we continue to excel in transporting goods.
Also working to optimize logistics within our borders, Palmetto Railways, a division of S.C. Commerce, is currently executing two important rail projects in the Lowcountry -- the establishment of a Navy Base Intermodal Facility and the construction of a rail line to Camp Hall Commerce Park.
The ongoing development of these infrastructure assets is critical as we seek to remain competitive in the world economy. And, this commitment to offering unparalleled global connectivity will continue to ensure South Carolina makes waves both nationally and internationally.