The Georgia and South Carolina Ports Authorities signed a revised joint venture agreement to work together toward the development of the Jasper Ocean Terminal (JOT) on the South Carolina side of the Savannah River, which will be jointly owned and operated by both port authorities.

The updated agreement governs the permitting and planning process for the JOT, including the development of terminal design and supporting infrastructure, plans for financing, and execution of the operational decisions required during the permitting process.

A work plan for the 2016 fiscal year was adopted earlier this year by the JOT Board of Directors. The plan includes geotechnical studies and conceptual work on terminal design by Moffatt & Nichol, the project manager, and the year is expected to culminate with a permit application to the US Army Corps of Engineers for the new terminal and channel modification study.

The JOT Joint Project Office was first established under an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2008 by the previous Governors of Georgia and South Carolina. This new agreement takes effect immediately and continues the work of the JOT.

“As South Carolina and Georgia renew this commitment to make the Jasper Ocean Terminal a reality, we have an incredible opportunity to strengthen our ports system - and that’s a great thing, not only for the people of Jasper County but for the entire state,” South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said.