Keller Williams Realty
https://www.buyhomesincharleston.com/blog/charleston-in-the-news-january-2023-edition

Charleston in the News - January 2023 Edition

Posted By: Alan Donald In: Charleston
Date: Fri, Dec 30th 2022 9:57 am

JANUARY 2023 NEWS

SC’s Largest Economic Development Investment To-date Coming to Berkeley County

Redwood Materials, a domestic recycler of lithium-ion batteries and re-manufacturer of anode and cathode battery components for electric vehicles, will invest $3.5 billion to establish a new Battery Materials Campus and a “circular supply chain for electric vehicles” on a 600-acre site in Ridgeville in Berkeley County. This is the largest economic development announcement in the state’s history and one that will create 1,500 new jobs, help address the need for domestic sourcing of supply, and drive down costs and emissions. Groundbreaking is planned for early 2023 and the first recycling processes should commence by year’s end. The Nevada-based company was founded by Jeffrey “JB” Straubel, Tesla’s co-founder and former Chief Technology Officer. Read more here and here.

Boeing Receives Largest Widebody Aircraft Order by a US Carrier in Commercial Aviation History

As part of its United Next plan, United Airlines has ordered 100 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners in a contract with an option to add 100 more – “the largest wide body aircraft order by a U.S. carrier in commercial aviation history”, according to the company. The initial order is intended to replace its aging fleet of Boeing 767s and 777s and decrease its per-seat carbon emissions by as much as 25%, while the add-on option would allow it to expand its network. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2024. Read more here and here.

Charleston Harbor Now the Deepest on the East Coast

With the recent completion of the Port of Charleston’s 10+-year, $580M dredging project, Charleston Harbor now has a depth of 52 feet, making it the deepest harbor on the East Coast. According to a news release by the SC Ports Authority, at that depth “the biggest ships calling the East Coast can access South Carolina Ports’ terminals any time, any tide. Ships filled with record imports and heavy exports can seamlessly sail through Charleston Harbor to SC Ports’ terminals. This depth makes SC Ports more competitive, helping to attract new ship services, first-in-calls and more cargo to South Carolina.” Read more here and here.

New Folly Beach Pier Opens Ahead of Schedule

Folly Beach's newly rebuilt pier - a Lowcountry icon since the 1930s - opened to the public on December 26th, months ahead of schedule. It's 1,049 feet long and largely 25 feet wide, with two sections 33 feet wide and covered to allow for fishing. The walkway and railings are made of wood and its 228 pilings and substructure of concrete. The end of the pier has a 7,500-square foot platform and there are shade structures and benches. Amenities include beach access, restrooms and showers, a restaurant and bar, and a gift and tackle shop and special events will return later this year. The pier has a 65+-year lifespan, which is longer than most wooden piers. While the parking lot is updated this month, the pier will be closed. Read more here and here.