Local leaders continue to be excited about the announcement last week that the S.C. Ports Authority plans to construct an inland port in Dillon.
This will support the growth of intermodal container volumes and expand access to markets in neighboring states throughout the Northeast and Midwest.
Plans are to construct the terminal in the Carolinas I-95 Mega Site. The SCPA will break ground on the new terminal in the first quarter of 2017 and plans to open the facility by the end of the year.
“The construction of the Dillon Inland Port will be an instance economic development impact on the County, the Pee Dee Region and the State of South Carolina. The Inland Port in Dillon will also enable the county to expand and diversify its recruitment of industry, said Dillon County Administrator Clay Young.
“I have worked on this project since its inception and personally feel this could be one of the biggest announcements in the state for the potential economic development impact its going to have on the state,” Young said.
Haywood Proctor, Chairman of the Dillon County Public-Private Partnership Board agrees that it will have a tremendous impact on the area.
“The decision by the SC Ports Authority to build an Inland Port in Dillon is a real game changer for Dillon County. The Economic Development impact that this decision will have on Dillon County and the entire Region will provide thousands of jobs for our citizens,” said Proctor.
“We are extremely excited that the S.C. Ports Authority has selected Dillon as the location for its next inland port. As we’ve seen in Greer, such a facility will provide a tremendous advantage in our economic development efforts across the region. The Greer facility has assisted in fostering a number of economic development projects within the upstate, and we believe this facility will have the same type of impact on the NESA region,” said Jeff McKay, executive director of NESA (North Eastern Strategic Alliance).
“On behalf of the Dillon County Chamber of Commerce, we are beyond excited regarding the announcement of the Inland Port locating in Dillon!  The Inland Port will bring to the citizens of Dillon and the Pee Dee area so many opportunities for us all.  We are eager to work in developing relationships to make the Port successful,” said Ernie Adams, Chairman of the Dillon County Chamber of Commerce board.
“This is obviously huge news for not only Dillon County but for the entire State of South Carolina. Now we have to get ready for the reality of an inland port being here. It is a game changer for Dillon and surrounding area,” said Dillon Mayor Todd Davis.
“We anticipate the success of the Inland Port Dillon, much like what we’ve seen with the Inland Port in Greer. Building and/or expanding inland infrastructure assists an area to realize economic and job growth–by allowing businesses to stay competitive in a global marketplace—because of the ability to move goods and products faster and by lowering transportation costs. We are confident this is another incredible opportunity to strengthen our ports system and further drive economic development in our state,” stated Adrienne Fairwell, S.C. Department of Commerce