South Carolina’s highest court has thrown out a lawsuit seeking to block plans for a new cruise terminal in Charleston.
The state Supreme Court dismissed the action by an environmental group and neighborhood associations saying the action had no legal standing.
A number of pressure groups including the Preservation Society of Charleston had filed a lawsuit saying that cruise traffic would add to congestion and pollution in the densely population Charleston historic district.
For many years there have been seasonal cruises from Charleston but the legal challenge came about once Carnival Cruise Lines opted to homeport the 2,000 passenger ship in the city, effectively creating a year-round cruise season.
The State Ports Authority released a statement saying it was pleased with the court decision and would continue with plans for a new $35 million terminal in Charleston.
Carnival spokesman Vance Gulliksen said the cruise line was also happy at the outcome.
"We are pleased with the court’s ruling and look forward to our continued partnership with the South Carolina Ports Authority and ongoing year-round cruise operations from Charleston," he said.
The State Ports Authority added that a long-term operations contract with Carnival, which had been put on hold due to the legal action, will likely be signed in the near future.
