CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina House Speaker Jay Lucas says the state Supreme Court was wrong to allow opponents of a proposed cruise ship terminal in Charleston to contest the project.
Lucas filed a friend-of-the-court brief earlier this month arguing the court misinterpreted state law when it determined in February that opponents could challenge a state permit allowing construction, the Post and Courier reported.
The State Ports Authority has spent years trying to replace its existing terminal near Charleston’s City market to better serve cruise ships.
The environmental, neighborhood and historic preservation groups against the project have said the $35 million proposed construction could create pollution and traffic problems.
The State Ports Authority has said opponents cannot prove the project will have adverse effects.
Lucas said in his filing that the state law in question gives people the right to request a hearing, but does not mean they are entitled to such a hearing. He is asking the court to reverse its ruling so the State Ports Authority can secure the permit.
In a court filing Thursday, opponents of the project said it is is too late for Lucas to intervene.
Citing findings by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that cruise ship travel markedly increases the risk and impact of COVID-19 in the country, the groups argued the risk of the disease makes Lucas’ bid to reduce citizen protections “inopportune.”
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