MOUNT PLEASANT — The State Ports Authority will move some of its vehicle export operations to North Charleston to help protect Upstate-built BMWs and other cars from flooding while also freeing up space at the Port of Charleston’s current — and low-lying — export hub for new cargo.
The authority’s board of directors on Friday approved a $720,000 design contract for rail and cargo yard improvements at the port’s North Charleston terminal. That’s the first step toward moving some vehicle exports away from Columbus Street Terminal along the Cooper River in downtown Charleston.
The project aligns with the authority’s goal of generating new revenue from existing property by making Columbus Street available for additional breakbulk cargo — that is, cargo that doesn’t fit into containers…