DHEC OKs Charleston Marina Expansion

Work could begin by 2014 to extend the docks at the Charleston City Marina 140 feet further into the Ashley River thanks to a Department of Health and Environmental Control decision to approve a permit for the project.

Backers of the plan say the expansion is necessary to make up for 40 boat slips that have been lost over the years as more and more silt piled up along the river bank. However opponents say the plan cuts into the limited amount of space boats have in a mooring field on the other side of the river because the current channel will also have to move closer to the West Ashley side of the river with the dock expansion.

As the Post and Courier reports opponents can appeal the decision to the S.C. Administrative Law Court once the DHEC Board officially publishes the decision.