Record complete: SC Court of Appeals to take up contentious cruise terminal dispute

The South Carolina Court of Appeals is ready to consider a challenge to a state permit for a contentious $35 million cruise passenger terminal in Charleston.

As of Monday, the record was complete for the appeal filed in April 2014. Now, judges will decide whether they want to hear oral arguments or can decide the case based on the court documents already submitted.

The South Carolina Ports Authority wants to replace its aging cruise terminal with a new one by renovating an old waterfront warehouse. The permit allows placing additional pilings in the water beneath the warehouse.

An administrative law judge upheld the permit last year, but conservation and preservation groups appealed. They contend, among other things, a new terminal will hurt the quality of life in historic Charleston.