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Pickens County reports ARC grant and developer funding for three industrial sites
Summary
County Administrator said an ARC grant and developer funds reduced the county’s obligations for the farmhouse and Speedway sites and that the county will seek Commerce and ARC funds for the 'Big Dog' site, aiming to limit the county match to under $300,000.
Pickens County Administrator reported Monday that county staff and economic-development partners have secured grant and developer commitments to advance three industrial sites the county hopes will attract future employers.
For the farmhouse site adjacent to the Commerce Park, Council had previously authorized $1.3 million for clearing and grubbing. Administrator Roer said the county and the Alliance were able to secure an Appalachian Regional Commission grant of $988,000, reducing the county's remaining obligation to under $500,000 for what Roer described as a roughly $7 million site-preparation effort.
On the Speedway Business Park — a private development sited near the intersection of state routes 123 and 124 — Roer said the county successfully accessed $8.5 million in one-time ARC funds and combined that with nearly $3 million from the developer to fund necessary intersection upgrades.
Roer also briefed council on the 'Big Dog' site, estimating about $8 million will be required for clearing, grading and an access road. He said the Department of Commerce supports the project and the county intends to apply for up to $5 million from Commerce and $3 million from the ARC, with a target county match of less than $300,000.
Council members asked for updates on related infrastructure: officials said the farmhouse water line is expected to be constructed this fall, and that the Popefield EMS station expansion has been delayed by permit coordination with the City of Easley but could begin soon after permits are issued. Roer said the county will provide more specifics if project timetables change.
The council did not approve new funding on the floor at the meeting; Roer framed the reports as updates on grant leverage and next steps.
