Port Authority agrees on trip to Panama Canal

PALMETTO – A proposed visit to the Panama Canal was nearly scuttled on Thursday as Port Authority members argued over who should go and who should pay for it.

In a long debate that included motions being made and dying for lack of a second, motions made and being seconded for discussion, motions losing in 4-3 votes, amendments, a motion that passed 7-0 to rescind all previous motions and a motion that finally passed in a 4-3 vote, the Port Authority decided that the chairman and vice chairman, Economic Development Council director Eric Basinger, a port staffer and a county staffer can go at government expense.

Members Carol Whitmore and Donna Hayes objected to the trip, saying that it didn't look right for government officials to be going out of the country at government expense when there would have to be county budget cuts again this year, but Joe McClash said that it was important to establish connections with Panamanian officials as trade becomes more important for the future of the area's economy.

Port executive director David McDonald said the funding for the trip was coming out of port funds, not county funds, but that didn't satisfy Whitmore and Hayes. McClash noted that Hayes had gone to Galveston, but Hayes replied that that was a regular trip to observe another port, and it wasn't out of the country.

John Chappie added that it's about business and business development, which was why he said he thought some county staffers should go to the canal.

Other issues

McDonald presented an update on the Port Dolphin agreement, which he said is moving forward. "The negotiations are on track," port attorney Chip Rice said.

Hayes and Whitmore expressed concerns because the port's attorney hadn't heard of the latest changes to the draft agreement.

McDonald said the commissioners had made it possible, but she said she'd feel better knowing the attorney was in on what was happening.

Also Thursday, the members approved 7-0 an interchange agreement with CSX. The port has to pay the railroad $165,000.