Charleston continues double-digit box growth

Charleston continues double-digit box growth    The Port of Charleston said it handled 73,818 loaded containers in July, 26 percent more than in July 2009.
   While this was the fifth month of double-digit growth, port officials reported it is unclear if the national and global economy is truly on the rebound and can be sustained, or if recent increases are more of a reflection of inventory restocking and other short-term drivers.
   At its monthly meeting, the South Carolina State Ports Authority approved $26 million in projects, including:
   ' Raise and pave 54 acres at Columbus Street Terminal to correct subsurface settling at a cost of $20.57 million. The work will raise the acreage about one foot, with a 12-year life expectancy of the work. Construction will run from October to April.
   ' Raise and repair seven acres in an area serving Evergreen at North Charleston Terminal at a cost of $1.59 million.
   ' Improve interchange lanes and supporting gate infrastructure at the Wando Welch and North Charleston terminals for implementation of a common gate structure, at a cost of up to $3.2 million.