WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) today announced a $25 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support projects at the Inland Port Greer (IPG) and the Port of Charleston.

Project Two of the Upstate Express Corridor Project would increase capacity at the IPG to ensure sufficient staging, container lift and storage space for manufacturers and freight shippers. 

The project also extends Norfolk Southern’s Carlisle Passing Siding to accommodate longer trains travelling between the IPG and the Port of Charleston. 

Graham and Scott noted these service improvements would advance the region’s manufacturing industry by increasing shipping capacity and efficiency.

“Today’s announcement is great news for manufacturers who use the Inland Port in Greer and the Port of Charleston,” said Graham.  “I was proud to join my South Carolina colleagues in support of this important project which will benefit manufacturers across our entire state.  I’m also pleased Secretary Chao has recognized the growth opportunities available in the South Carolina port system.  This investment will pay dividends for American manufacturing in the years to come.”

“It is a great day in South Carolina as we’ve secured a big win from Secretary Chao and the Department of Transportation (DOT). We have a diverse economy in the state and need to ensure that every mode of transportation of our goods is top-notch. I thank Secretary Chao and the DOT for approving this application, one that is such an essential part of the Palmetto State’s economy,” said Scott.

Graham and Scott, along with U.S. Representatives James Clyburn (D-South Carolina), Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina), Mark Sanford (R-South Carolina), Jeff Duncan (R-South Carolina), Trey Gowdy (R-South Carolina), Tom Rice (R-South Carolina) and Ralph Norman (R-South Carolina) sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in August urging support for this project.

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