08-28-08: DOT to study road needs at proposed port

By Patrick Gannon, Staff Writer

SOUTHPORT -- A long-awaited study of the transportation needs for the proposed N.C. International Terminal near Southport is likely on its way.

At its meeting next week in Raleigh, the N.C. Board of Transportation will consider spending $250,000 on a feasibility study looking into highway and rail requirements for the huge container facility on the Cape Fear River.

Transportation issues, including how all of the container trucks will get out of Brunswick County, have been among the main concerns of port opponents since the N.C. State Ports Authority announced plans for the International Terminal.

"This is a key step in getting the answers we need for our plans, but also to share with other people who have questions," said Ports Authority spokeswoman Susan Clizbe. "This is really something we've been waiting for."

If approved, the study likely would begin soon and take two to three years, Clizbe said.

Ports Authority officials say they hope to open the first phase of the $2.3 billion International Terminal by 2017, if not sooner, but major roads take a long time to plan and build.

It remains unclear whether adequate roads would be in

place to serve the port by that date.

Currently, the Ports Authority is working out details of a port development agreement with CenterPoint Properties of Oak Brook, Ill.

DOT officials couldn't immediately be reached Wednesday afternoon for details on the proposed feasibility study.

Patrick Gannon: 343-2328