By Stan Welch – A handful of citizens attended a public forum held by County Councilman Ken Waters at the Powdersville Library on Thursday, Sept. 27. The meeting is a regular event started by Councilman Waters as a way of keeping in touch with his constituents.
The news was mostly economic in nature and good in tone. Waters reported that four economic development projects have been finalized in District Six in the last two years, producing a total of 200 jobs and fifteen million dollars in capital investments.
Those figures do not include an additional 400 jobs resulting from projects completed by local businessman Jimmy Wilson. Waters also reported that four more announcements are pending in the coming months, involving expansions of existing businesses, and resulting in an additional 50 jobs and investments of more than ten million dollars.
One recent expansion involves Watson Engineering which is adding 85 jobs and capital investments of $6.5 million.
Waters also reported that bids have been received for phase two of the work being done at the Dolly Cooper Park. The work will include construction of an ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant walkway to the kayak launch, as well as permanent installation of the first ADA kayak launch in S.C. A temporary launch was put in place for the Saluda River Rally earlier this year. Also, some additional grading work will take place.
In transportation news, it was reported that the Hwy. 153 improvement project has been given a high (#3) priority for funding by GPATS. It was also reported that the Safe Routes to School project at the Wren Schools was completed and opened.
Funds have been applied for by the County for an enhancement project for the old Anderson Road Bridge. The project, as proposed, would involve rehabilitating the bridge for pedestrian traffic, build sidewalks to the park, provide seating and picnic facilities and develop extra parking.
