July 26, 2006
Grant brings megasite closer
Funds bring water, sewer lines to industrial complex
By SHARRON HALEY
Item Staff Writer
shaley@theitem.com
Phone: 803-435-8511
Live Article
MANNING — An industrial megasite at Interstate 95 and S.C. 527 is one step closer to reality, thanks to a $500,000 rural infrastructure grant from the South Carolina Department of Commerce.
The site, a collaboration between Clarendon, Sumter and Lee counties, will be built in several phases with all three entities taking equal financial responsibilities.
"We are now one step closer to making the megasite a reality," John Truluck, executive director of the Clarendon County Development Board, said Tuesday. "We are past the idea stage, and we can see something begin to happen."
"Obtaining this grant shows the state is very supportive of our efforts," said Jim Kepner, president of the Sumter Development Board. "With the three counties even up by putting in one-third, one-third and one-third, it sends a strong message to the state. As we develop the site, the state will be more receptive to additional requests for funding."
According to Truluck, the $500,000 will be used to extend water and sewer lines from the Turbeville Correctional Institution to the back of the industrial property. A portion of the money will be used to build a two-lane entrance at the front of the property, landscaping and signage visible from S.C. 527 and I-95.
"Now we can begin the marketing process," Kepner said. "There are other issues to continue to work out, but we've taken that first step."
With two megasites located in South Carolina — one on Interstate 77 between Columbia and Charlotte and the other on Interstate 20 near North Augusta — officials in Clarendon, Sumter and Lee counties agreed a regional location on I-95 would give larger industries and companies a third option when selecting a location to build in South Carolina.
The Clarendon County Development Board owns the main site, 99 acres on I-95 at S.C. 527, and the board has an option to purchase an additional 1,100 acres with more than 4,000 acres of undeveloped property adjacent to the optioned property.
The site has the potential to begin reaping benefits almost immediately, Truluck said.
"We have the work force in the three counties to support a megasite," he said. "The three counties, by working together, have the resources to establish a megasite."
