'Increasing business through our ports in Charleston and Georgetown is essential to South Carolina's economy, so I'm honored to have this opportunity to serve our state,' said Posek. 'Between expansion of existing facilities, the new terminal in North Charleston and the Jasper project, we're prepared for our customers' and the state's future economic development needs.'
Gov. Mark Sanford named Posek to the Authority Board in October 2005, and he has served as secretary since 2006. He has also chaired the Board's Strategic Planning Committee.
In 2005, Posek retired from Lockheed Martin, where he served as president of the company's Aircraft and Logistics Center in Greenville. He also worked in numerous capacities with General Electric for nearly three decades. Posek has served on a number of local community boards, including the Red Cross and as chairman of the University Center of Greenville.
The remaining Board officers elected today are Bill H. Stern of Columbia, vice chairman; Whitemarsh S. Smith III of Charleston, treasurer; and John F. Hassell III of Charleston, secretary.
The SCSPA Board also approved a contract for upland site preparation at the new 280-acre container terminal on the former Navy Base in North Charleston. Gulf Stream Construction Company, Inc. of North Charleston was the low bidder at $13.6 million.
Included in the project is construction of a detention pond along the southern portion of the terminal, relocation of utilities and road improvements to an adjoining property. This portion of the work is expected to be complete in two years. The major dredge and fill project will be bid in early 2008.
Work on the site is already well underway, including building demolition and soil test sites. Additionally, an engineering firm was previously awarded an $8-million contract to provide engineering services during the site preparation phase.
The $550-million Phase I of the project is expected to open in 2013, and the terminal at build out will increase Charleston's port capacity by about 50%, or 1.4 million TEU (20-foot equivalent units).
