Cruise-ship permit issued for Charleston
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. — South Carolina environmental regulators on Tuesday issued a needed permit for a $35 million cruise passenger terminal in Charleston saying allowing the terminal doesn’t really change what is happening on the waterfront of a city that has had a port for centuries.
The Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management issued the permit allowing the South Carolina State Ports Authority to drive pilings beneath an old riverfront warehouse for the new terminal.
The permit does incorporate a voluntary agreement between the Ports Authority and the city of Charleston limiting the number of cruise stops to 104 a year.
There has been debate over the city’s growing cruise industry for several years and two public hearings on the permit earlier this year drew hundreds of people. The controversy has sparked lawsuits in both state and federal court.
Savannah Tech welding program recognized
Savannah Technical College’s Welding Department was recently designated a Level 1 and Level 2 SENSE school by the American Welding Society. SENSE or Schools Excelling through National Skill Standards Education establishes standards and guidelines for welder training.
“My staff has met and exceeded the rigorous guidelines set forth by AWS for more than two years to achieve SENSE School Status,” said William Burns, department head for Savannah Tech Welding and Joining Technology.
SENSE training has three levels: Entry welder (I), advanced welder (II) and expert welder (III). Upon successful completion of each level of the standards and guidelines, students may test to receive a certificate of completion.
Level I is designed for entry-level training. Level II is designed for two-year career and technical education programs or for those with welding experience. Level III is for those in four-year programs or those with advanced experience.
Beaufort considers allowing boat hotels
BEAUFORT, S.C. — Beaufort City Council is expected to consider whether to allow boat hotels at the city’s downtown marina.
The Beaufort Gazette reports that the local planning commission has approved the concept of the boats, which have been dubbed “botels.”
The owner of a 93-foot yacht has proposed renting rooms overnight when his yacht is at the marina. But the city’s downtown marina has rules to protect the environment and limit commercial enterprises.
City planner Libby Anderson says the staff has concerns about the concept but said city ordinances could be changed to allow up to six boats renting five rooms each at designated docks.
The proposal still must be considered by city council.
