CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Palmetto Railways, a division of the SC Department of Commerce, is holding a community kickoff open house to introduce the public to the proposed development of an industrial rail line which will serve the Camp Hall Commerce Park in Berkeley County, SC.
The new rail line will connect Camp Hall Commerce Park to existing railroad right-of-way, near the Santee Cooper Cross Generating Station within Berkeley County. Palmetto Railways will construct, own and operate the rail line, which is expected to open the door to greater economic development efforts to support the State of South Carolina. The project is expected to take three years to complete.
A community kickoff open house is planned to introduce the public to the project and to hear from the project team. Members of the community are invited to attend the open house to learn about project details. No formal presentation will be given.
Date: Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Time: Anytime between 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Location: Cross Community Center, 1690 Old Highway 6, Cross, SC 29436
Individuals who are unable to attend the open house are encouraged to visit http://palmettorailwayscamphallrail.com for project details or to leave a public comment. Between March 29 and April 19 individuals can attend an online meeting at their convenience by visiting this website for details.
Palmetto Railways will identify a preferred rail route through an application to the US Army Corps of Engineers that will define the need for the project. Palmetto Railways will also perform, under the oversight of the US Army Corps, an analysis of the impacts to the environment of the proposed project as required by the National Environmental Policy Act. These studies will identify and evaluate rail alternatives within the study area, evaluate environmental impacts of the proposed project and alternatives and provide for public and agency involvement. Throughout the development of the Environmental Assessment, Palmetto Railways will engage in a process that encourages communication and cooperation between those who are involved in project-related decision making, including government officials, private businesses and the public.