HAMPTON - The Hampton County Council showed its support for economic development in the region Monday night by approving a resolution supporting the proposed Okatie Crossing project in Jasper County.
The council unanimously approved a resolution urging the General Assembly to adopt a 15-year state incentives package for The Sembler Company to construct an outdoor luxury shopping mall near Hardeeville known as the Okatie Crossing project. While there is opposition to the project - primarily in nearby Beaufort County - this development represents a $400 investment in Jasper County and is expected to create 2,000 permanent jobs.
"This will be a luxury shopping center, this is not your everyday mall," explained Sandy Fowler, Executive Director of the Hampton County Economic Development Commission. "There will be a Gucci store."
Not only would the project benefit the area with jobs and investment, but because it is included in a Multi-County Industrial Park agreement with Jasper County, Hampton County will receive one percent of the ad valorem tax revenue generated from the shopping center each year. The project is expected to generate about $215 million in new taxes and fees for Jasper, Hampton, and Beaufort counties as well as the City of Hardeeville.
"There is a direct monetary benefit to Hampton County with the revenue sharing," said Administrator Sabrena Graham. "We agreed to be a partner with Jasper, and we are either a partner or we're not. This is going to be a plus for Hampton County, and at this time we don't have an agreement with Beaufort County."
Councilman Chris Haulsee originally expressed concerns about the fairness of the state incentives, and the possibility that the project would put people in other counties out of work, but later voted to support the resolution.
The state incentive package is available to any business making an investment of $100 million or more.
In other action, Council:
n Gave second reading to a development agreement ordinance between Hampton County and MeadWestvaco to govern the creation of the 1,380 acre mega site to be known as the Southern Carolina Commerce Park. The county is expected to close on the first 14 acres of this site within two weeks and bids are now out for the construction of a spec building on that acreage.
n Heard a complaint from Pondtown resident John Brunson concerning flooding and poor road conditions on Burt Terry Road.
"I'm afraid if an emergency comes up, I don't think an ambulance or a fire truck can get through there," said Brunson. "This road is a terrible wreck."
Graham said that she would have Public Works look into the matter.
- Heard an economic update from Fowler, which featured a display on the HCEDC's new Web site. Fowler said that, although 2009 was a bad year economically, Hampton County did announce one new business and a business expansion.
"2009 may have been bloody, but we're still standing," said Fowler. "We've had an expansion and a new announcement, and we're very pleased."
- Heard an update from Danny Black, President of the SouthernCarolina Alliance. Black announced that the University Greens student housing project was now complete at USC Salkehatchie in Allendale, and that plans were underway to possibly host a gubernatorial debate in Allendale. So far four of the nine candidates for governor have committed to attend, and the event will be televised on at least three local stations. More details will be announced.
- Approved up to $20,000 in transportation costs for the Council of Aging in next year's budget.
- Reappointed Gail Padgett to the Hampton County Library Board and William F. Barnes to the county Planning Commission.