Jim Fair
U. S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Mayor Rick Danner chat after the groundbreaking ceremonies for the South Carolina Inland Port in Greer.
Jim Fair
Mayor Rick Danner and Jim Newcome, President and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority.
Jim Fair
City Administrator Ed Driggers, Elizabeth Adams and Mike Sell were among the city staff attending the historic event.
Greetings.
I have the enviable task of somehow trying to describe for you the significance, impact, benefit and excitement this Inland Port facility will bring to the City of Greer. How significant is this facility to the City of Greer?
Let’s start in the spring of 1873 when a train left Charlotte, headed to Atlanta along the shiny new rails of the Richmond-Danville Air Line Railroad, and crossed this very land before stopping a mile and a half from here at the newly-constructed Greers Station with a load of fertilizer for Mr. James Manning Greer.
There have been a lot of trains come and go on this track since that maiden trip 130 years ago, but none will be more significant than the first one to pull into and out of this port later this year.
How will this facility impact the City of Greer?
Not since the early 1990s with the announcement of the impending arrival of the BMW manufacturing facility has an announcement created more expectation and potential impact. Projections of jobs, economic development, traffic and opportunities seemed overwhelming at the time but willing, cooperative, and visionary leadership has helped BMW not only meet their expectations but to exceed them.
Not since BMW has a project had more potential impact on our city.
How will this facility benefit the City of Greer?
In 2007, the City of Greer undertook the single largest urban building project in the city’s history – an investment of more than $20 million. While not an urban project, this construction, operation, and support facilities will represent the single largest investment in the city in many years and will bring jobs, economic development, and international attention to the city.
How excited is our community to have this new facility?
Look around you. In my 13 years as mayor I have never witnessed so many people or so much interest in a groundbreaking. Your presence today shows an unparalleled level of interest, optimism, and support for this facility.
How significant is this facility to Greer?
Historic.
How impactful will this facility be to Greer?
Historic.
How beneficial will this facility be to Greer?
Historic.
What is the level of excitement for this facility to be in Greer?
Historic.
On behalf of the citizens of Greer I want to thank our friends with the South Carolina Ports Authority, the State of South Carolina, Norfolk Southern, BMW, CPW, Spartanburg County, the City of Greer staff, and the GSP Airport for making it possible for me to say . . . It is a historical day to be in Greer, South Carolina.