The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1945-03-01
Report on Port

The recommendations of the State Planning
ports appear, at first consideration, to be
fundamentally sound but with some unfavor-
able points
Without a doubt, presentation Of the pro-
posals to Governor Cherry is a forward step
toward a greater Port Of Wilmington.
The Governor discussed them with Capus
M Waynick, acting chairman and other
members Of the Planning board yesterday.
Today, he intends to 60 further into the mat
ter with representatives of the Wilmington
Port commission, the city and county. This
will be the first time the full report will be
available to local interests, only the conclu-
sions and recommendations being received
here yesterday.
The first two Of the seven points contained
in the summary Of the Planning board-that
adequate port facilities constitute first re-
quirement for the attraction of water-borne
commerce and that existing facilities are in.
adequate obviously very true to all who
have given this business of ports second
thought
On the third, however, we disagree.
1t is:
That given these facilities Wilmington
could expect to become reasonably impor-
tant port, although there are too many dis
advantages beyond its control to permit its
ever becoming a really important port for
foreign trade
| That conclusion smacks too much of de-
featism We interpret it to mean that this
port can 60 so far, and no further in it's
growth. We feel it is unfair to hint of limita.
tons, TO think of low goal. Perhaps some
disadvantages are beyond control at this time
but, as the port grows, it would be able to
remove the most serious OF these.
Points Four and Five, concluding that port
development Woulc benefit the states ship
pers and receivers would contribute materi-
and that the program is sufficiently important
to become state undertaking rather than
Wilmington project, are also sound, need no
further explanation
The Sixth proposal is:
THAT, if such a project should be sponsor
ed by the state whole, such sponsorship
must obviously include all possible port de-
velopments along the North Carolina, coast
rather than Wilmington alone'
That is quite reasonable. But. with all South
Atlantic ports pressing preparations for the
trade race that will follow the war, why not
favor the that is best established, most
advanced and with the most favorable freight
rates? That description fits but one-Wilming-
ton.
The Seventh, final and most important rec
ommendation is
GAS means OF effectuating such pro-
gram it is recommended that the state by
the general assembly create North Carolina
Safe Ports Authority with power to study
and develop the ports of Wilmington. More
head City and Southport. The Authority would
be provided with modest sum for admins
trative expenses from the contingency and
emergency fund. To finance the cost of it's
development projects, the Authority would be
given the power to issue revenue bonds not
to exceed one million dollars. -
That, essentially, is what Wilmington wants.
IL IS wonderful avenue to state assistance,
something that we have not had in material
way in the development of it's port However.
we do not believe in any limitations on the
amount to be expended in development The
figure set is too small, in view of what other
ports are planning to do. AS an example,
the cost of Charlestons proposed new i'm
provements has been estimated at $4,000 OOO
The important matter at this moment is
to expedite the enabling legislation through
the general assembly, now in it's final days.
We hope that, during the conference with
Governor Cherry, every effort will be made
for immediate legislative action. Even the de-
lay Of a day or so may prove dangerous, may
result in failure that will halt any likelihood
Of state aid for Wilnngtons port for the
next two years.
AS a whole, the findings and proposals of
the Planning board are satisfactory. The
points which we are not in agreement can,
we believe, be eventually ironed out.
Meantime, the next step is favorable re-
| action from Governor Cherry in behalf of
the necessary legislation. This must come if
Wilmington is to advance as port.