Multiple media outlets are reporting that four of Gov. Nikki Haley’s staff members will testify about the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Board's controversial decision to issue a permit allowing the Georgia Ports Authority to deepen the Savannah River, leading to the Port of Savannah.

On Friday, a state Senate panel took the unprecedented step of subpoenaing them, according to an article on The State.

Haley's chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, staff attorney and a legislative liaison are expected to testify on Thursday.

Last month, members of the Savannah River Maritime Commission voted to take legal action against the S.C. DHEC Board, saying the board had overstepped their grounds by allowing the deepening to begin in the Savannah River.

Conservatives for Truth In Politics has bought television time statewide to broadcast a new ad that criticizes Gov. Nikki Haley's recent port decision.

State lawmakers have also criticized her decision, even questioning whether she or her staff had received political favors for doing so.

But Haley said on Monday, politics played no part in the decision and that she stood by the board's decision.