By Molly Parker
mparker@scbiznews.com
Published Oct. 8, 2009

State Sen. Larry Grooms said he has a “very good feeling” about landing a business that economic development officials have dubbed Project Neptune.

“I believe they will make some sort of public statement by the end of next week,” said Grooms, R-Bonneau.

The business is eyeing a site in Jedburg owned jointly by The Rockefeller Group out of New York and Virginia-based MeadWestvaco Corp.

Related story:

• Economic development officials chasing Project Neptune

Grooms said the unnamed business is expected to be a large port user.

Also, on Wednesday, a legislative oversight committee approved the S.C. State Ports Authority’s plans to hold on to the southernmost end of Daniel Island. The SPA plans to use this property for dredging-related activity related to the construction of the new terminal in North Charleston.

SPA chief executive Jim Newsome reported to the committee that the authority plans to put the remaining 495 acres it owns on the Cooper River site on the market in the near future.

The new state law that created the port oversight committee also directed the SPA to sell its Daniel Island property by 2013.

Related story:

• S.C. lawmakers pass eleventh-hour port restructuring bill

Reach Molly Parker at 843-849-3144.