FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Anderson, SC | April 24, 2019
The City of Belton and Anderson County have been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation’s Water Resources Fund. The funding will provide an ADA-accessible kayak launch and other improvements at Belton Landing on the Saluda River Blue Trail. This project represents the second major investment in a Saluda River Blue Trail Project and the third grant award overall for an Anderson County-based project by the Duke Energy Foundation’s Water Resource Fund.[1]
The improvements at Belton Landing will represent the third major improvement along the Anderson County portion of the Saluda River Blue Trail over the last 36 months. Conceived by a consortium of public entities, private sector interests, advocates for the physically-challenged, environmental groups, and other stakeholders, the blue trail enhances water recreational access for six South Carolina counties along the Saluda River. Along with its two sister sites in Powdersville and Pelzer, this improved facility will promote and preserve our local natural resources by creating river access and resource awareness.
Belton Landing will serve as the southern anchor of a 20-mile segment of the Blue Trail that begins at Dolly Cooper Park in Powdersville. The Belton Access is located about 3 miles south of Duke Energy’s new 750-megawatt combined-cycle natural gas plant at the W.S. Lee Station. Over one million people live within 50 miles of the Belton Access. The site’s convenient location make it an attractive destination for kayakers, anglers, wildlife watchers, and those seeking more passive recreational interests.
Located on Cooley Bridge Road at the Saluda River crossing into Greenville County, Belton Landing is owned and operated by the City of Belton and currently serves as an informal public access point. The City will continue to own and operate the facility after improvements are completed.
QUOTES
“The Belton Landing project will serve to enhance access to and awareness of one of South Carolina’s most important natural resources. The Saluda River Blue Trail attracts nature-based tourism from around the globe, and we are proud to serve as the host site for this major expansion of recreational opportunities in our region.” — Mayor Wendell Page, City of Belton
“The City of Belton has been working very hard to attract cultural and nature-based tourism to the community, and this announcement is yet another sign of their success. I am very proud that Anderson County is able to partner with the city on developing the Belton Landing site, and I am confident that the Saluda River Blue Trail will continue to grow into a beloved and nationally-recognized regional amenity.” – Anderson County Councilman Ray Graham
“We are excited to learn of this newest partnership with Duke Energy Foundation. Duke Energy has been a wonderful steward of hydroelectric power and recreational resources on the Saluda River, and we very much appreciate their high level of positive participation in our community.” — Anderson County Councilmember Cindy Wilson
“The Saluda River Blue Trail directly serves hundreds of my constituents and benefits several cities, towns, and unincorporated communities in our region. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the City of Belton on this accomplishment and my sincere thanks to our friends at the Duke Energy Foundation for their support.” – Senator Mike Gambrell, South Carolina Senate District Four
“It is hard to overstate the importance of this project to our community. These Blue Trail amenities serve not only to improve river access, they also provide economic stimulus to the region and serve to raise awareness to the fundamental importance of preserving our pristine natural resources.” – Representative Jay West, South Carolina House District Seven
###
Media Contact: Matt Schell, Anderson County Parks Manager
864-260-7275, mschell@andersoncountysc.org