New joint venture agreement established for Jasper Ocean Terminal

November 16, 2015
By: AJOT | Nov 16 2015 at 11:32 AM | Ports & Terminals

SAVANNAH, GA - Today the Georgia and South Carolina Ports Authorities signed a new joint venture agreement that provides the necessary framework for the two states to work cooperatively toward the development of the Jasper Ocean Terminal (JOT), which will be jointly owned and operated by both port authorities.

“Whether we’re celebrating another business expansion or record-breaking year for exports, South Carolina’s economy is on the move thanks to a world class ports system that drives our economic development engine,” said South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley. “As South Carolina and Georgia renew this commitment to make the Jasper Ocean Terminal a reality, we have an incredible opportunity to strengthen our ports system - and that’s a great thing, not only for the people of Jasper County but for the entire state.”

“This agreement shows significant progress in our commitment to support economic development in our region,” said Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. “We must expand port infrastructure in the fast-growing U.S. Southeast to accommodate future demand in manufacturing and retail. Our current investments in logistics infrastructure such as the ports will ensure that our states remain at the forefront of these industries so that we not only grow today but that we continue to grow for decades to come.”

The updated agreement governs the permitting and planning process for the JOT, including the development of terminal design and supporting infrastructure, plans for financing, and execution of the operational decisions required during the permitting process.

The JOT Joint Project Office was first established under an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2008 by the previous Governors of Georgia and South Carolina. This new agreement takes effect immediately and continues the work of the JOT.

“I am greatly encouraged with the signing of this agreement as the next step of the continuing cooperation and progress between Georgia and South Carolina toward the ultimate goal of building a Jasper Ocean Terminal, said David J Posek, Chairman of the Jasper Ocean Terminal Board of Directors. “It establishes the framework between our two states to work together over the next decade.”

A work plan for the 2016 fiscal year was adopted earlier this year by the JOT Board of Directors. The plan includes geotechnical studies and conceptual work on terminal design by Moffatt & Nichol, the Project Manager and the year is expected to culminate with a permit application to the US Army Corps of Engineers for the new terminal and channel modification study.