Anderson County has been awarded a $9,271,519 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Local Access Road program. The funds will support improvements to the I-85 Exit 27 southbound off-ramp as well as the construction of an extension to Orange Way, creating a new access roadway between Martin Road (S-4-166) and SC 81 North.
These publicly-owned road improvements will help manage traffic generated by economic development projects at TTI/Ryobi, Robert Bosch Corporation, and three major logistics facilities in the project area. All told these committed projects will result in more than 1,350 new jobs created and capital investment in excess of $468 million.
The improvements will also serve as a key component of much-needed additional supporting infrastructure to serve future economic activity on prime industrial and commercial acreage located in the project’s service area. The amount of available acreage has the potential to support more than 2,000 manufacturing, administrative, and commercial jobs.
The awarded ARC funds will be supplemented by $1,104,070 in non-Federal funding. The total project cost is $10,375,589. The county estimates an 18-month period for preliminary engineering, environmental review, and ROW acquisition, followed by a 12-month construction timeframe.
Quotes
“Appalachian South Carolina is widely known for its abundance of natural resources and iconic landmarks, but it also has established an impressive manufacturing footprint. By way of this ARC grant, Anderson County will be able to complete significant road improvements to meet the need of existing manufacturers and support the recruitment of future industry. This deliberate investment will help ensure Anderson County and the entire region remain economically competitive for years to come.” — Governor Henry McMaster
“Anderson County is a dynamic part of South Carolina’s Appalachian region which has garnered a reputation for economic development. Not only will this ARC grant improve interstate access along a heavily traveled commerce corridor, but it will also support additional infrastructure, positioning the county to increase economic opportunities through the recruitment of future jobs and investment.” — S.C. Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“We value the contributions made to our community by our economic development partners, and it is truly a pleasure to help them grow and thrive. Announcements like this help us show business and industry leaders the efforts we will go through to ensure their success and continued prosperity.” — Tommy Dunn, Anderson County Council Chair
“On behalf of Anderson County, I’d like to offer our most sincere thanks to ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin, Governor McMaster, and Secretary Lightsey. We are humbled by the confidence that you’ve shown in our efforts here at the local level.” — Anderson County Council Vice Chair Brett Sanders
South Carolina’s Role in the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
• The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is organized as a federal and state partnership. The U.S. President appoints the ARC Federal Co-Chair, who is then confirmed to the position by the U.S. Senate. On the state side of the partnership, there are thirteen member-states, including South Carolina, that make up the ARC region. These states are designated by the Federal Statute governing the operation of the Commission.
• Governor McMaster is the serving Commission member for South Carolina and can cast votes on the Commission’s funding allocations, operational budgets, and general policy matters. Governor McMaster also has the responsibility of recommending viable economic development project applications for funding through the Commission to support initiatives in South Carolina’s ARC region. South Carolina’s ARC region includes seven counties: Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, and Union.
• South Carolina’s ARC program is housed within and staffed by the South Carolina Department of Commerce.
• The ARC program manager is responsible for the development of project applications to meet the Commission’s economic development mission and established investment priorities. The ARC program manager also works closely with the Governor’s Office to determine state strategies to accomplish the Governor’s initiatives for economic growth that fall under the Commission’s investment priorities.
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