Five years ago last week, a revolutionary new tool was added to our economic development arsenal. When the S.C. Ports Authority officially opened the innovative, new inland port in Greer, S.C., it sent a signal to the world that our state is taking the concept of international connectivity to the next level. Extending the port's reach 212 miles inland, the facility has been so successful that a second inland port facility was constructed and opened earlier this year in Dillon, S.C.
Together, these two facilities have provided a major boost to South Carolina's robust logistics network, increasing cargo volumes at the Port of Charleston and attracting economic development to their surrounding regions. Despite all of this success, however, we know that now is not the time to let up or become complacent. In fact, the port has already announced plans to expand its Greer facility. As these plans come to fruition, it’s clear that continued collaboration with economic development allies -- like the S.C. Ports Authority -- will remain critical, allowing us to bring even more jobs and opportunities to the people of South Carolina.