Haley Vetoes Port Resolution

Gov. Nikki Haley has vetoed a resolution that would have stripped Georgia of its controversial permit to dredge the South Carolina side of the Savannah River.

Haley called the joint resolution “an unconstitutional legislative overreaching into an agency’s ruling,” a ruling that “was based on law and scientific benchmarks.” She also said the resolution was legally flawed, according to a Post and Courier story.

Haley has been at odds with the Legislature over the permit. Opponents argue she pushed the state’s Department of Health and Environmental Control to approve the permit after receiving political donations while in Georgia. The plan had been recommended for denial by the department's staff.

“The Governor is looking for an out when she should be looking for an opportunity to join in with us on the fight to protect South Carolina’s environment and economy," said House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston. "The fact is, in a clear violation of state law, the Governor’s DHEC Board voted to issue an invalid dredging permit. The vetoed bill directly states that DHEC did not have the authority to unilaterally approve this dredging permit.”

The joint resolution Haley vetoed would have retroactively barred the state agency board from granting such permits.

"It’s unfortunate how much time we’ve had to spend fighting our state’s own Governor on protecting South Carolina’s best interests," said Rep. Jim Merrill, R-Charleston, the bill's co-sponsor.

There are likely enough legislative votes to override Haley's veto, so the measure may not be dead.

“Of course, I will vote to override this veto," said Leon Stavrinakis, D-Charleston, the bill's co-sponsor. "Beyond that, I will fight this Governor and her political cronies tooth and nail to make sure their dream of a Savannah Port which trumps the Port of Charleston never becomes a reality.”

Savannah needs the permit to allow larger ships into its container port. If Savannah deepened its harbor first, it could accomodate accomodate larger ships than what is currently allowable in South Carolina.

Both ports are racing to deepen their harbors before the Panama Canal is widened. That's a move widely seen as boosting port traffic all along the East Coast.