COLUMBIA, S.C. - As South Carolina's population continues to grow, so does the demand for items and goods. This is prompting an increased focus on the operation of South Carolina ports. South Carolina Ports President CEO Barbara Melvin addressed more than 1,200 people at her third State of the Port address on Wednesday.

“The investments we’re making today in our port complex support the tremendous growth occurring in the Southeast today and for decades to come,” Melvin said. “With more than $3 billion invested into port infrastructure, SC Ports is perfectly positioned to be the preferred port on the U.S. East Coast.”

Melvin also shared that expansions have begun on the recently reopened Leatherman Terminal. This project will approximately double the berth space.

In addition, South Carolina's inland ports have also seen an increase in usage. With statistics showing that 24% more cargo was handled by rail than the previous year. There is an investment of $400 million by the state to improve rail connections to the Port of Charleston.

“Every time you see a truck on the road, a ship in our harbor and stacks of containers filled with goods, or autos on this terminal — it represents jobs and economic prosperity for our state,” Melvin said. “We provide excellent port service so our customers can run their businesses smoothly. Thousands of global brands depend on us to keep goods moving through the supply chain, and we are proud to deliver world-class port service to them.”