State OKs funds for Easley project
Filed Under Martin
$2 million to go for roads near proposed shopping center
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
“A big shot in the arm,” is what one official called a $2 million commitment from the state Department of Transportation for the Saco Lowell redevelopment project.
The money would be used for road improvements near the proposed massive project at the former Saco Lowell textile machinery plant. The property has been proposed for a shopping complex to be known as Easley Town Center.
The total cost of road improvements — to include elevating U.S. 123, widening and elevating the bridge at Prince Perry Road, revamping intersections and installing new signal lights — is an estimated to be $13.5 million.
“We’re still working on closing that gap but this is certainly a big shot in the arm,” said Fox Simons, Easley city administrator.
In April, the Pickens legislative delegation appeared before County Council and pledged to secure $5 million in state resources toward the project.
The transportation department commitment, combined with $950,000 in the state budget, puts the delegates more than halfway toward their goal.
“I’m delighted that the DOT has committed this much-needed funding to the highway improvements associated with the Highway 123/ Saco Lowell project,” Sen. Larry Martin, R-Pickens, said in a prepared statement. “My hope is that these commitments of almost $3 million dollars will help make these highway improvements possible.”
The possibility seems closer to becoming reality now.
“We’re very optimistic that the project will come to fruition,” Simons said. “This funding was vital for that (project), so this just increases that chance.”
The $2 million will be allocated in four, $500,000 annual installments beginning when the project gets under way, said Marion Carnell, state transportation commission’s Third District commissioner.
“We’re just glad we could get Sen. Martin the money he needed to get that complex in there,” Carnell said.
Carnell and state transportation Director Buck Limehouse worked with Martin on securing the funds, Martin said.
“We know that the DOT has limited discretionary funding available in light of its current obligations,” Martin said. “I am extremely appreciative of their response to our plea for help with this vital project.”
The center is expected to bring 900 new jobs paying around $11 an hour, according to Easley Town Center developer Gary O’Nesti.
On May 7, Pickens County Council gave preliminary approval to designate the site a multicounty industrial park, which would allow for the sale of bonds to help fund the improvements.
But the issue must pass two more readings and a public hearing to become official.
By Ginny Johnson
PICKENS COUNTY NEWS
gwjohnson@greenvillenews.com
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