CHARLESTON — A major railroad is firing back at efforts to sell part of Union Pier Terminal to a developer, putting the $250 million deal in question.

Norfolk Southern Corp. formally responded Aug. 26 to a lawsuit the S.C. State Ports Authority filed last month to determine whether 14 acres of the prime 67-acre site can be sold based on a legal restriction included in a 1957 real estate document.

The transportation company also countersued the SPA to prevent a transfer of the land, alleging it will suffer undisclosed damages if the property changes hands.

Atlanta-based Norfolk South is asking for a jury trial that could bog down the dispute in the state court system.

The deed restriction was first reported by The Post and Courier about two years ago. It calls for the 14 acres near

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