A $1 million "windfall," courtesy of the Department of Commerce, will go a long ways toward funding the second phase of the joint Orangeburg County/City Industrial Park.

County Administrator Bill Clark announced the good news Monday, as County Council approved proceeding with Phase II of the park development.

"The cost estimate ... is $2.5 million. That's a big number, but I have very good news; $1 million of that cost will be provided by a grant our economic development got through the Department of Commerce. The balance will be split between the county and the city," Clark said. "This is a windfall; a very pleasant surprise."

Economic Development Director Gregg Robinson said Phase II, which will open up 220 acres on the backside of the park, is essential to growth. In addition, there are plans for a privately-funded speculative building at the park.

In other business, council authorized a 20-year water purchase and supply agreement with the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency.

The county is expected to receive the water by 2010.

Councilman Johnnie Wright, who serves as chairman of the agency, said the project is "back on track," with construction of the plant projected by the end of the year. After a three-month test period, he said, the first customer, which is the town of Santee, should get water by spring 2008.

According to Wright, Orangeburg County, which will serve as a wholesaler for several municipalities, has contracted to receive up to 2.5 million gallons of water per day.

Until the water is received, the county will pay $40,000 a year. Once the water is available, the rate will be 60 cents per 1,000 gallons, a "very competitive rate," Clark said. Because of major federal and state grants, he explained, the agency has no debt.

Responding to questions from Councilman Willie B. Owens, Clark said the county will keep costs to the towns as low as possible since "the customers are all county residents."

Council members praised Wright for his efforts.

In other business, council:

* As recommended by the Public Service and Planning Committee, agreed to provide the town of Santee with $30,000 for the operation of its library as an interim measure. Also, the Library Board will be directed to develop a plan to bring the Santee Library into the county system by July 2008.

* Received as information a report by the Parks, Recreation and Agriculture Committee that a follow-up meeting will be held to continue discussion of the request by Fred Broughton of the S.C. Department of Agriculture for a community-based food system.

Committee Chairman Janie Cooper said that, although no action was recommended, "it looks good."

* Passed a resolution designating October as Gang Awareness Month.

* Passed a resolution honoring National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, Sept. 9-15.

* Passed a resolution honoring Industry Appreciation Week, Sept. 17-21.

* Responded to questions from Jeanette Jeffrey during the public comment portion of the agenda.

* In closed, executive session, discussed an economic development matter and a contractual matter concerning health care relations.

T&D Government Writer Tucker Lyon can be reached at tlyon@timesanddemocrat.com or by calling 803-533-5545.

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