COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The commission tasked with representing South Carolina’s interests when it comes to dredging the Savannah River has taken on a higher profile as it wades into several legal disputes over the $650 million project.

The Savannah River Maritime Commission had operated quietly since it was set up in 2007 as part of legislators’ response to a lawsuit over a proposed port in Jasper County. That lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. But the panel — comprised of 12 appointed members ranging from the chairmen of various legislative committees to designees from the governor and other state agencies — stayed intact, empowered to negotiate and enter into agreements on South Carolina’s behalf.