A state commission empowered with protecting South Carolina’s economic interests along the Savannah River is expected to take legal action against the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) – and possibly Gov. Nikki Haley – in the wake of a hugely controversial decision to let the state of Georgia deepen the Savannah River.
This legal action is expected to be announced at an emergency meeting of the Savannah River Maritime Commission scheduled for 10:00 a.m. EST in Columbia, S.C.
Sources tell FITS that the commission will seek some form of injunction against SCDHEC’s decision – which granted Georgia the keys to its $600 million port expansion less than six weeks after the agency initially rejected the dredging project.
SCDHEC’s approval of the Georgia project would enable the Port of Savannah to handle larger container ships, enhancing its competitive advantage at the expense of the Port of Charleston, which has seen its competitive position plummet in recent years. More importantly, the decision likely amounts to a death knell for a proposed Jasper County port – effectively granting South Carolina’s seal of approval to Georgia’s plan to stab our state in the back regarding the development of this deep water port.
Haley under fire for SCDHEC vote.
Created in 2007, the Savannah River Maritime Commission is specifically empowered by statute to represent the state of South Carolina “in all matters pertaining to the navigability, depth, dredging, wastewater and sludge disposal, and related collateral issues in regard to the use of the Savannah River as a waterway for ocean-going container or commerce vessels.”
In other words, it’s supposed to be responsible for precisely the sort of agreement negotiated by SCDHEC with Georgia. In fact, it was created to avoid precisely this sort of situation.
Amazingly, though, the commission was not even consulted regarding SCDHEC’s decision.
At Monday’s meeting, we’re told that several of the S.C. General Assembly’s most powerful “Republicans in Name Only” will join the growing cacophony of bipartisan opposition – nay, outrage over SCDHEC’s questionable decision.
More importantly, the legal action could lead to an official investigation into Haley’s role in this mushrooming scandal.
Haley has consistently denied pressuring SCDHEC – an agency she recently took over – regarding the Savannah River project. However, the governor’s legislative liaison – Katherine Veldran – confirmed the worst-kept political secret in the Palmetto state early Sunday morning when she acknowledged Haley’s role in the scandal to a Democratic lawmaker.
FITS reported on this exchange shortly after it happened – and the lawmaker confirmed our report via his twitter feed a few hours later.
“I wasn’t shocked to hear what I heard (from the staffer),”S.C. Rep. Boyd Brown (D-Winnsboro) tweeted. “Bad decisions define the Haley administration.”
Larry Grooms
Even before this revelation, S.C. Sen. Larry Grooms (R-Berkeley) was already demanding an investigation into the source of the political pressure applied to the agency – especially in light of rumors that business interests with ties to the Savannah Port have allegedly showered Haley with financial and political favors in recent weeks.
Whether Haley was bought off with money and political favors or not – there’s no question that this decision represents a dramatic reversal of her previous position regarding port issues. There’s also no question that the decision is not in the state of South Carolina’s best interests – potentially costing our economy hundreds of millions of dollars and doing untold damage to the environment.
On Friday, Grooms slammed Haley’s decision on his Twitter page – mocking the governor’s recent mandate that all state employees answer their telephones with the greeting “It’s a great day in South Carolina, how may I help you?”
“Thanks to DHEC, state offices may as well start answering their phones ‘It’s a great day in Georgia, how may we help them,’” Grooms tweeted.
“You now have a governor who does not like to lose,” Haley told a cheering crowd of S.C. State Ports Authority supporters in Charleston. “Georgia has had their way with us for way too long, and I don’t have the patience to let it happen anymore.”
Last month, though – right around the time that Georgia donors allegedly began stroking checks to her campaign – Haley’s tune began to change.
“Every port is different, and every port has its challenges,” Haley told Savannah’s WJCL/FOX 28 last month. “We have to say ‘What do we need to do that is right for the region?’ Our goal is to make sure every port (in the region) is successful.”
Amazing … we thought Haley’s job was to promote South Carolina’s best interests – particularly in light of our state’s chronically-high unemployment rate, low income levels, deteriorating competitiveness and recessionary economy.
In fact, that’s exactly what one state lawmakers said.
“Governor Haley apparently needs to be reminded that her job is to protect the interests of South Carolinians, not to do ‘what’s best for the region,’” S.C. Rep. Kevin Ryan (R-Georgetown) said in response to the SCDHEC vote.
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By Brünnhilde November 13, 2011 at 5:58 pm
Haley has destroyed herself politically in South Carolina in ten short months, outraging left, right and center. When her term is up in 3 years, she will be 42 and unemployable by the private sector. She will have no chance for re-election to any political position and will be “spent.”
Her haberdashery in the strip mall will be out of business by then.
We’ll pay her a $95,000 annual pension for life when she’s “done” with South Carolina.
She stands no chance of re-election, or election to any political position.
She will be unemployable in the private sector. (Who will need her?)
While she can, she “goes for the gold” like Wotan in Richard Wagner’s long, long four-part “ring cycle” of operas, Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung).
The Niebelungs (little dwarfs) — us peon South Carolinians — made the ring (our fair state) from gold (our state resources) they mined at the bottom of the Rhine River (Das Rheingold — The Rhine Gold).
In the opera, a group of nine Valkyrites — winged female characters (somewhere between gods and mortals) — decide who dies in battle, and bring their chosen to live in the “afterlife of the slain,” Valhalla, Wotan’s just-completed fortress.
This is our Governor, along with her Valkyrite systers (Catherine Templeton, Eleanor Kitzman, Katherine Veldran, etc.), picking the winners and losers.
Valhalla? Well, that’s our fair state, INCLUDING THE SAVANNAH WILDLIFE REFUGE AND OUR STATE ECONOMY in the hands of Chief Valkyrite, Gov. Haley.
In the end, Valhalla burns and everyone dies (Götterdämmerung – “Twilight of the Gods”).
That’s my take on it: The lust for the gold, the power, the violence done.
A long, long tragedy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpvLCptAHT8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AlEvy0fJto
By abannerday November 13, 2011 at 6:09 pm
FBI? Justice Deparment? Anybody out there?
By Samson November 13, 2011 at 6:47 pm
I bet Katherine is glad all those political science courses she didn’t take really paid off in this case. She is one limp cock.
By Ima November 13, 2011 at 6:56 pm
What do you want to bet that the Governor will make the argument that the Savannah River Maritime Commission is working against the best interests of “The Region”? Perhaps it’s not even needed, even?
By Centrist View November 13, 2011 at 6:58 pm
SECTION 54-6-10. Savannah River Maritime Commission; membership; period of existence
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:0BnfCzviR90J:www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t54c006.htm+Savannah+River+Maritime+Commission+legislature&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a
“(F) Except as provided below, nothing in this section shall supersede the authority of other state agencies, departments, or instrumentalities including the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Health and Environmental Control, or the State Ports Authority to exercise all powers, duties, and functions within their responsibilities as provided by law. However, on an interstate basis and specifically in regard to the State of Georgia, the responsibilities granted to the Savannah River Maritime Commission in this joint resolution supersede any other concurrent responsibilities of a particular state agency or department. Any requirements for permitting and constructing new terminal facilities on the Savannah River in Jasper County are declared not to be the responsibility of this commission, except as they may relate to this state’s responsibility for the navigability or depth of the South Carolina portion of the Savannah River.
“
By Caleb, Lexington County Deer Hunter November 13, 2011 at 7:07 pm
The governor is shucking our state like a private corn field for deer hunters brought in from Georgia. And there ain’t no bag limit.
By saratay November 13, 2011 at 8:13 pm
To reiterate my post from the item on Sheheen & the DHEC Board:
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By saratay November 11, 2011 at 10:46 am
Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t political pressure end the expansion of the Daniel Island/Wando port complex about 5 or 6 years ago? Seems like it was supposed to double the capacity of Charleston.
As my grandmother said: “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”
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Political pressure at DHEC cost them the second best Commissioner they ever had when Aycock’s first successor went back to Texas. (Dr. G.S.T. Peeples was the best one).
By mohanna November 13, 2011 at 8:23 pm
Trikki Nikki has more federal investigations coming than just DHEC. Can we all say co-conspirator or “Moon Shine Bonds” The taxpayers are on the hook for 300 million dollars.
By Teapartier November 13, 2011 at 9:01 pm
This maritime commission is the same one Sen. Tom Davis referenced in his statement last Thursday after the DHEC board granted the water quality certification. Seems he was dead on target in criticizing the DHEC board for not consulting with a commission that was charged by law to handle this matter for the state and which has been dealing in this matter, as he said, “for years, as opposed to weeks.” What the hell are Haley and those DHEC clowns doing? What arrogance.
By blue364 November 13, 2011 at 9:40 pm
quote: “By mohanna November 13, 2011 at 8:23 pm
Trikki Nikki has more federal investigations coming than just DHEC. Can we all say co-conspirator or “Moon Shine Bonds” The taxpayers are on the hook for 300 million dollars.”
I wish these so-called investigations would start already and find something impeachable on this witch.
By slim-pickins-sc November 13, 2011 at 11:26 pm
HEE HAW Say goodbye to HEE HAW (HAW as in Haley Ard Wilson) We sure know how to pick em SC. Yes, I voted for them too. We all learned our lessons. I had such hopes to revive the reputation of SC after Sanfraud but we really struck out across the board. These 3 have got to go!!!!!!!!!!!
By One flew over the cokoo's nest November 14, 2011 at 6:04 am
To slim-pickins-sc,
You forgot the sicko pervert, stalker and serial adulterer EEEckstrom. Our Comptroller General. What loosers all. And I was a life long Republican–now INDEPENDANT!!!! In other words, no longer loyal to anything; but, State, Country and future generations.
By Charlie November 14, 2011 at 7:08 am
Katherine had the unfortunate situation to be groomed by PTT. Templeton carries around her orbs with distinction alright. She thinks they are filled with gold and trimmed with diamonds. Both ladies think they rule the state, with mama Nikki stroking their bleached out hair.
By Columbia Insider November 14, 2011 at 7:35 am
Teapartier has it right. The maritime commission is the key, and Davis was smart to focus attention on it and ignore the political rants by Grooms, Sheheen and the rest. As usual, the guy is the smartest one in the room. The maritime commission meets today and will hopefully take the first step toward undoing the damage done by DHEC.
By Beaufort Insider November 14, 2011 at 8:01 am
Tom Davis is an idiot. The Maritime Commission has no jurisdiction over DHEC. The ACOE has already said they will ignore DHEC anyway. So the best way to deal with this is to appeal the decision and then address it on the federal level. Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint need to present a united front.
By Chrome Dome November 14, 2011 at 8:01 am
Oh no! This commission might put the kabarsh on DHEC and Nikki’s little money trail? But…but…but…but…she will lose her gig at the GOP Convention. She won’t be the new Ms. Queen Bee. She can’t bus around the country like Sarah and spew nonsense. Oh me, oh my! Poor Nikki.
By WTF November 14, 2011 at 8:04 am
Wat? You saying the Maritime Commission has no jurisdiction? Wat? You Ok?
By Carol November 14, 2011 at 8:12 am
Catherine Templeton has managed the SCLLR on her couch, in a robe, with a bottle of gin, and a laptop full of classics. So what’s wrong with Nikki & her hand picked crew giving away the farm to Georgia while hotel hostess Katherine brags about it?
By Dr. Finger November 14, 2011 at 8:15 am
Ya gotta give Fitsnews credit. Sex pervert Kenny Lancaster never got the DPS gig, so I imagine this port flare up might keep a few people nervous, eh?
By Carol November 14, 2011 at 8:16 am
What time does Catherine show up on Mondays? Can anyone tell me?
By Dubya November 14, 2011 at 8:32 am
Beaufort Insider is correct. The maritime commission is an ADVISORY body. They have no administrative jurisdiction over anything. All they can do is hold press conferences and weep. Of course, they, as anyone else, can appeal a DHEC Board decision to the Administrative Law Court.
How much harm is this woman going to be allowed to wreak on this state?
By eggaday November 14, 2011 at 8:34 am
Give her a break ya’ll. She is living up to and proving she is ” Sanfraud in a skirt”.
By Rapture November 14, 2011 at 8:34 am
Let’s get back to Katherine. What’s her deal? Does it take dinner, or can I get a quickie in the back of the Durango?
By Toby November 14, 2011 at 8:41 am
Ok, let’s see. Kenny Lancaster’s sexual adventures, and Nikki’s European vacation made the news. Kenny’s not wasting tax dollars as the head of DPS, and Nikki’s not wasting tax dollars screwing around in India. I hope the maritime commission does these press conferences justice.
By Nikki's Twitter November 14, 2011 at 8:44 am
Michael & I are so proud that SCDHEC has done the right thing for us all.
By Neo November 14, 2011 at 8:48 am
Dubya, correct. Seeing that this is a maritime issue, and they are a maritime commission, the chances of the injunction being granted are good.
By Nikki's Twitter November 14, 2011 at 9:04 am
Get Excited. The Governor of Georgia will be our mansion guest tomorrow.
By cash November 14, 2011 at 10:24 am
Carol, is Catherine a wino?
By Carol November 14, 2011 at 10:34 am
Gin at home, vodka at work…..which is very infrequent, work that is, and whiskey at the local meat joints.
By Pimpin' For Nikki November 14, 2011 at 12:25 pm
Neo, wrong. What brand of dope are you smoking, dude?
First, it is doubtful that Ga even needs SC’s permisson. The COE will let them go forward without a SC permit.
Nikki has indeed pulled a fast one on this.
She sold a permit to Ga that they don’t really need, in exchange for some campaign donations and heavy h’orderves.
Which Nikki doesn’t need (the h’orderves, that is…Anyone seen her lately? – she has gained 20 pounds…)
No injuction will be issued, if even sought. Skids are greased.
The SPA can’t compete with Port of Savannah anyway. It deserves to be marginalized.
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