Caucus Press Release: Legislators Announce Plan to Fund Critical Donaldson Center Improvement Project
Aug 23, 2007
Office of the Speaker
SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Legislators Announce Plan to Fund Critical Donaldson Center Improvement Project
Funding will ensure jobs stay in South Carolina
GREENVILLE -- In a press conference held today, House Speaker Bobby Harrell, Ways and Means Chairman Dan Cooper and members of the Greenville legislative delegation unveiled a plan to secure funding for a vital economic development improvement project for the Donaldson Center Industrial Air Park. The legislators were joined by representatives from Donaldson for the announcement that took place at the Donaldson Center.
Last week it was released that due to an unforeseen revenue shortfall announced by the Board of Economic Advisors, $3 million of surplus funds set aside for the Donaldson Center would no longer be available. Speaker Harrell and Greenville legislators pledged their commitment to provide funding for this important economic development project.
The funds will be used to upgrade Donaldson's airfield, including hangars built in the 1950's. These upgrades play a vital role in Lockheed Martin's decision to remain at Donaldson Center. Currently, Lockheed Martin employs about 1,200 skilled workers, which is a direct affect earnings of $1.1 billion for the entire state of South Carolina and greatly contributes to Donaldson's $222 million annual total economic impact.
"The high paying jobs and high tech companies that the Donaldson Center attracts directly supports our efforts to continue building a knowledge-based economy in our state," Speaker Harrell commented. "This funding is critical in Donaldson Center's efforts to be competitive in the global economy and it helps keep jobs from leaving our state. We cannot keep or attract 21st century companies with a 1950's infrastructure."
Legislators proposed using a small portion of uncommitted money from a $45 million fund from the Coordinating Council for Economic Development to fund the project. A commitment was also made to quickly replenish that fund when the General Assembly reconvened in January.
Jody Bryson, Executive Director for the Donaldson Center, said, "It was a surprise to all of us when the funding was lost in this revenue shortfall, as these facilities improvements are tremendously important to our ability to continue job growth here." Bryson continued, "Seeing lawmakers from across South Carolina work so hard to try and make this happen shows us that our government is truly working to improve our state."
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Greg Foster
(803) 734-3125
fosterg@scstatehouse.net
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