File photo (Valencia Wicker/WCIV)By BRUCE SMITH
Associated Press
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- A judge has ruled a federal court challenge to South Carolina's planned $35 million cruise ship terminal should be heard in Charleston, not Washington, D.C.
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg says the suit is mainly local in nature involving Charleston, not the nation's capital. Local environmental and preservation group sued in July, saying the case is of national importance and should be heard in Washington.
The suit seeks to invalidate a Corps of Engineers permit allowing the State Ports Authority to renovate a riverfront warehouse. The plaintiffs say there should be more federal review of how the terminal will affect the city's historic district.
In ruling to transfer the case, Boasberg said public and private interests support hearing the case to Charleston where the terminal is planned.
