news-record.com

Both advocates and opponents of building a $3 billion deep-water port at Southport make valid points.

It's just too early to say who's right.

So the next logical step is for the state to move ahead cautiously, starting with funding half of a state-federal $10 million study weighing potential economic gains against environmental dangers and security worries.

The N.C. State Ports Authority already has paid $30 million for land to house a facility that would accommodate the new class of superships. Without major deep-channel dredging, that business likely will go to larger, busier East Coast ports.

Boosters say a modern, competitive freight terminal eventually could add 16,000 jobs for coastal residents, now heavily dependent on tourism, and spur private development, including trucking, railroads and distribution.

Opponents question those projections, adding the project could meet a fate similar to the failed Global TransPark near Kinston. Coastal tourism and fragile beaches, they warn, would needlessly be placed at risk.

Another potential hurdle is security. The tract abuts Progress Energy's Brunswick nuclear plant. Company officials already have raised concerns with the Army Corps of Engineers about possible water pollution, hazardous cargo nearby and terrorist threats.

Yet, considering the potentially huge economic payoff well into this century, there needs to be a thorough analysis, including public hearings. Both sides deserve to be heard.

The study, however, is just one step down a lengthy, uncertain path. The General Assembly and Gov. Bev Perdue, who backs the project, must sign off on funding requests. Nor is federal money guaranteed since Congress ultimately will decide which ports are approved for dredging.

Despite the substantial costs, soliciting additional input and moving forward carefully seems the best course.