SPA initiates 'Pledge for Growth'

Monday, June 9, 2008 The State Ports Authority launched a public awareness program Monday that calls on businesses and community leaders to look at ways of enhancing growth and the environment. The agency's "Pledge for Growth" initiative includes a Web site — www.PledgeforGrowth.com — that offers suggestions and allows users to commit to one or more efforts related to land, air, water and people. The SPA said a pledge "can be something simple, such as expanding a recycling program, or a larger effort, such as ... replacing equipment and vehicles with newer, more environmentally sensitive models." The Charleston Motor Carriers Association was one of the program's first participants. It pledged to continue working with the SPA and the state Department of Health and Environmental Control to determine additional ways to save fuel and reduce air emissions. The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce said it would encourage its members to join the effort.