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Board authorizes sale of industrial‑park lot for pool manufacturer promising 75 jobs
Summary
The Board approved the sale of a 5.29‑acre lot at 1035 Page Road to an international pool manufacturer that has pledged to create approximately 75 jobs and invest at least $2 million within two years. The sale includes a reversion clause if the company fails to meet its investment timeline.
The Beaufort County Board of Commissioners authorized county staff to proceed with the sale of a 5.29‑acre lot in the Washington‑Beaufort County Industrial Park to a company called Project Fala, which is proposing a U.S. operation for an international composite swimming‑pool manufacturer. Economic development staff told the Board the proposed purchase price is $20,000 per acre and the company “anticipates creating approximately 75 new jobs, with an initial capital investment of over $2 million,” and that the purchase includes a reversion provision if the buyer does not achieve substantial completion within two years.
County consultant Susan Squires briefed the Board at a public hearing and said the company had secured a federal EIN and identified the site through a commercial listing. Asked how the county will protect itself if the buyer does not perform, Commissioner Stan Deatherage asked if the county would regain title. Squires replied, “We get the land back,” and County Attorney Amanda Sasnett confirmed the deed language would provide for reversion of any buildings or improvements if the contractual investment milestones are not met.
The public hearing drew no public comment, and the Board voted to allow county staff to execute the documents necessary to close the transaction. The sale is a straight arm’s‑length purchase with a contract provision to claw back the property if the investment commitments are not met within the two‑year performance window.
