comprehensive economic development...

COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

FOR THE CATAWBA REGION

Prepared by Catawba Regional Council of Governments

P. O. Box 450, Rock Hill, SC 29731 September 2011

CATAWBA REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS BOARD MEMBERS

Chester County: Robbie King-Boyd, Citizen-at-Large Representative Joe Branham, Chester County Council R. Carlisle Roddey, Supervisor, Chester County

Lancaster County: Larry Honeycutt, Lancaster County Council John P. Howard, Lancaster City Council

Polly C. Jackson, Citizen-at-Large Representative Russell F. Patrick, Citizen-at-Large Representative Kathy Sistare, Chair, Lancaster County Council Ann S. Taylor, Mayor, Town of Heath Springs

Union County: Charles D. Johnson, Citizen-at-Large Representative Dora T. Martin-Jennings, Union County Council Thomas L. Sinclair, Supervisor, Union County Harold E. Thompson, Mayor, City of Union

York County: Justin D. Bice, Citizen-at-Large Representative Kathy Bigham, Citizen-at-Large Representative Britt Blackwell, York County Council John Dervay, Tega Cay City Council A. Doug Echols, Mayor, City of Rock Hill

Danny P. Funderburk, Mayor, Town of Fort Mill Donnie Grice, Mayor, Town of Clover J. Edward Lee, Mayor, City of York Kathy Pender, Rock Hill City Council Greg F. Rutherford, Citizen-at-Large Representative Eric Winstead, York County Council Robert Youngblood, Citizen-at-Large Representative

Legislative Michael A. Anthony, SC House of Representatives Representations: F. Greg Delleney, SC House of Representatives James M. Neal, SC House of Representatives Thomas E. Pope, SC House of Representatives Eldridge R. Emory, Past Chairman, Ex-Officio

Table of Contents

Page Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1 Description of District Organization .................................................................................... 3 CEDS Committee .................................................................................................................. 7 Regional Economic Analysis ................................................................................................ 10 Updated Census and Economic Data ................................................................................... 17 Public/Private Partnerships ................................................................................................... 37 CEDS Goals and Objectives for the Catawba Region ........................................................... 38 Strategic Projects, Programs and Activities ........................................................................... 40 CEDS Plan of Action ............................................................................................................. 42 Regional Performance Evaluation .......................................................................................... 43 Review of Accomplishments and Activities ......................................................................... 44 Proposed Capital Improvement Projects ................................................................................ 50 Letters of Concurrence ........................................................................................................... 71

List of Tables Page

1) Population by County, Region and State, 1980-2010 .................................................... 17 2) Percentage Population Change by County, Region and State, 1970-2010 .................... 17 3) Age Distribution by County and Region, 2010 ............................................................. 18 4) Percentage of Population by Age Distribution by County and Region, 2010 ............... 19 5) Major Racial Group by County, Region and State, 2000-2010 ..................................... 20 6) Percentage of Population by Racial Group by County, Region and State, 2000-2010 ...................................................................................... 21 7) Educational Attainment by County, Region and State, 2000 ........................................ 22 8) Percentage of Population by Educational Attainment by County, Region and State, 2000 ............................................................................................... 23 9) Per Capita Income by County, Region and State (Current Dollars), 1979-2009 ................................................................................................................... 24 10) Per Capita Income by County, Region and State (Constant 1999 Dollars), 1969-2000 ................................................................................................................... 24 11) Employment by Industry by Place of Residence, 1990-2011 ......................................... 25-26 12) Percentage of Workforce Employed by Industry by Place of Residence, 1990-2011 ................................................................................................................... 27-28 13) Employment by Place of Work by County, Region and State, 1980-2000 ................... 29-30 14) Percentage of Workforce Employed by Industry by Place of Residence, 1980-2000 ................................................................................................................... 31-32 15) Average Weekly Wage Rates by Industry for Non-Agricultural Employees for the Year 2010 ..................................................................................... 33 16) Persons Below Poverty Level by County, Region and State, 1969-1999 ...................... 34 17) Percentage of Population Below Poverty Level by County, Region and State, 1969-2009 ........................................................................................................ 34 18) Labor Force Data for the Year 2010 .............................................................................. 35 19) Capital Investment by County, Region and State by Decade, 1970-1999 ..................... 35 20) County as Share of Region and Region as Share of State, 1970-1999 .......................... 35 21) New Job Creation by County, Region and State by Decade, 1970-1999 ...................... 36 22) County as Share of Region and Region as Share of State, 1970-1999 .......................... 36

List of Figures

Page 1) Map of Catawba Region ................................................................................................ 2

INTRODUCTION

This document presents the most recent update to the region’s Comprehensive Economic

Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS is a formalized planning process developed by the

federal Economic Development Administration to promote an areawide assessment of economic

trends and infrastructure needs within multi-county districts such as the Catawba Region.

The CEDS also reviews the various programs and activities of the Catawba Regional

Council of Governments in promoting economic progress within the district. In addition, this

document contains a current listing as of September 2011 of needed capital improvement

projects within the region.

Background

The Catawba Region is an area that encompasses the four South Carolina counties of

Chester, Lancaster, Union, and York (Figure 1). Economic potential in this region is promising,

due largely to the fact that location, existing development, labor force, educational institutions,

and natural and cultural resources provide a sound foundation for economic growth. In order to

take advantage of this potential and alleviate persistent problems with low-income levels and

unstable employment patterns, a mutual effort is needed from both public and private sectors.

Local governments working together through a coordinated economic district planning program

is an important step in this direction.

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M A P

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DESCRIPTION OF DISTRICT ORGANIZATION

The Catawba Regional Council of Governments (CRCOG) is one of ten regional councils

in South Carolina. Established in 1971, the Council serves Chester, Lancaster, Union, and York

counties.

Catawba Regional is a Council of Governments since more than half of its 32-person

governing body consists of local government elected officials primarily from city and county

councils. All Board members are appointed by either the respective county councils in

accordance with a membership formula or the county legislative delegations. The Council Board

oversees a twenty-three person staff with varied backgrounds in planning, economic and

community development and finance.

The Catawba Regional Council of Governments serves local governments and

communities in many ways. Through use of the Council, local governments:

(1) Pool resources to support an organization with a professionally trained staff,

thereby avoiding the need for retaining some permanent local staff or consultants.

(2) Obtain and administer federal and state grants.

(3) Have a forum through which to meet and exchange ideas.

(4) Promote economic development and community plans.

(5) Influence state and federal program funding decisions.

In 1976, the Catawba Regional Council of Governments was designated an Economic

Development District by the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA).

Participation in this program has enabled local governments within the four counties to avail

themselves of regional planning assistance for economic development as well as insuring access

to EDA's grant assistance programs. These grant funds, in combination with other local financial

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resources, have helped this region develop some of the necessary facilities and infrastructure

upon which current growth relies.

Catawba Regional Council of Governments is continuing its program of economic

development to assist the region in addressing the economic challenges identified in the adopted

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Although the economic outlook is

expected to improve, various sections of the region still experience high rates of unemployment,

low per capita income, inadequate labor force educational levels, the lack of diversified

economic bases, and the need for infrastructure and industrial park improvements.

Major areas of activity during the year have included:

Planning and Community Development. This service helps to identify community needs,

prepare grant applications, and provide grants management for approved Community

Development projects. Staff also serves as contract staff or project manager for municipal and

county planning related projects.

Economic Development. The Council promotes economic development through

technical planning, obtaining state and federal grants for local governments, assisting county

economic development organizations, and providing gap business financing to promote job

creation and capital formation.

Revolving Loan Fund. Catawba Regional's EDA Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) provides

gap financing to businesses for buildings, equipment and working capital as a means to stimulate

job creation. Loans are packaged to work in conjunction with private lender financing. Interest

rates on RLF loans may be lower than market rates and flexible repayment terms are offered.

The RLF loan program is capitalized by grants from the federal Economic Development

Administration with matching funds from the South Carolina Governor's Office and the South

Carolina Budget and Control Board.

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Development Corporation. In 1983, the Council of Governments established a regional

development corporation to help small businesses and industries have access to capital sources

that are otherwise unavailable through conventional lenders. The Development Corporation

utilizes the Small Business Administration’s 504 Loan Program and the United States

Department of Agricultural Intermediary Relending Program to provide gap of financing to

business throughout the region. Additionally, the SC Department of Health and Environmental

Control has contracted with Catawba Regional to be the state-wide fund manager for an EPA

funded Brownfield Cleanup Revolving Loan Program.

Census Information. The Council of Governments serves as a state designated Affiliate

U. S. Census Data Center. In this capacity, it responds to numerous inquiries from agencies and

individuals about census information, especially population factors and forecasts.

Management, Technical Assistance, Information Dissemination, and Project

Coordination. This service provides management and technical assistance to local governments

and agencies for many community needs. The Council also distributes timely information about

grant programs through agency newsletters, reports, and news articles. The Council serves as a

state recognized clearinghouse to insure that local governments and agencies know about

planned state or federal projects.

Workforce Investment Act. On July 1, 2000, the Council became the program

administrator for the Workforce Investment Act in Chester, Lancaster and York counties. To

achieve the goals of the Act, the Council has contracted with ResCare, a private corporation, to

operate “One Stop” service centers which are designed to help applicants find jobs. Additionally

this contractor provides more intensive services, such as job training, to be provided to the

underskilled seeking employment.

Also as a part of its WIA responsibilities, Council staff continues working with the

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Communities in Schools program to help prevent school dropout.

GIS. The Council of Governments has developed a Geographic Information System

capability using ESRI's ArcInfo software along with other associated hardware.

The database for this system greatly enhances the ability of the Council to assist local

governments in their planning and economic development decision making.

Recreation. The Council helps communities plan for and identify recreation needs and

prepare grant applications.

Historic Preservation. The Council has assisted the various local governments with the

nomination of sites for the National Register of Historic Places for Archives Development

grants.

Transportation. Council staff continues to work on a variety of transportation related

programs for the region including the development of a State Multi-modal Plan. Staff also

continues to develop various transportation studies for local governments.

Finally, staff are involved in multi-state projects such as “CONNECT” and the Carolina

Thread Trail which involve a number of counties in the Charlotte Metropolitan Region. Council

staff along with staff from Centralina Council of Governments in Charlotte have applied to HUD

for a grant to conduct a regional visioning process that will promote sustainable communities.

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COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY COMMITTEE

This year’s CEDS document was assembled with the input of a variety of persons and

organizations who are involved in economic development at either the local, regional or state

level. This group identified the factors that impede economic development within the region and

have developed ongoing strategies for overcoming these obstacles.

The Catawba Region’s CEDS Strategy Committee consisted of the following members:

Gary Blevins Sherer Dental Lab Mark Cable Abitibi-Bowater, Inc. Karen Craig Schaeffler Group USA, Inc. Monica Craig Phillips Staffing Teresa Curtice York County Economic Dev. Corp. Diana Eastep 3D Systems Corporation Tom Drumwright Arvin Meritor, Inc. Diana Eastep DentalOne Partners Dean Faile Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce Lonnie Harvey Jesclon Group Dennis Hemphill Allvac-Richburg Dennis Joiner Chester County DSS Tom Kellerhals Westminister Group Walter Kellogg Carolina Community Actions, Inc. Kristin Malbasa McClean Power Systems

Ritchie Monteith Abitibi-Bowater, Inc. Larry McCullough Wells Fargo Kathleen Powell Proctor & Gamble-Duracell Michael Rallings Abitibi-Bowater, Inc. John Sageser RGAF Materials Corporation Paul Simpson AMP/Tyco Electronics Carolyn Stewart, PhD York Technical College Tim Stowe Tri-District Adult Ed Kathy Tinney AARP Senior Employment Services Keith Tunnell Lancaster County Economic Dev. Corp. Barry Waddell SC Vocational Rehabilitation Phyllis Williams SC Indian Development Council, Inc. Joan Winters Attorney-at-Law Jerry Witherspoon Lancaster Housing Authority

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In addition to the Strategy Committee, the regional strategies to promote economic

development were approved by the Council of Governments Board and a variety of key players

in the economic development arena. In all, this group included the following members:

Local Elected Officials Municipal and County Government Administrators and Managers Department of Social Services Staff Public Schools Administrators Local Economic Development Recruiting Staff Local Businessmen and Businesswomen The Strategy Committee identified the following factors as continuing major

impediments to economic development in the region. They are:

1) The need to continue diversification of the region’s manufacturing base to safeguard against a continually changing economic climate and to replace jobs lost, particularly in the textile manufacturing area.

2) The need to further upgrade the skills of displaced workers.

3) The need to continue to upgrade the quality of education in the region’s

public schools.

4) The need to provide a wider range of affordable housing opportunities.

5) The need to expand and upgrade the public infrastructure and transportation systems.

6) The need to provide job opportunities that result in higher wages and per capita income.

7) The need to redevelop abandoned former textile mill sites and their

surrounding mill villages.

8) The need to economically revitalize community downtown and center city areas that have lost business to suburban shopping malls and commercial areas.

The following strategies have been employed to overcome these obstacles and

to promote economic development:

- To expand the local infrastructure of the region, including water and sewer services, transportation facilities, telecommunications systems, affordable housing, recreation sites and other public facilities.

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- To assist in the financing of new businesses and the retention and expansion

of existing businesses, through such programs as EDA’s Revolving Loan Fund, SBA’s 504 Program and USDA’s Intermediary Relending Program.

- To assist local planning and economic development programs through

technical assistance, such as participating in local strategic planning processes.

- To encourage public/private sector partnerships in economic development

efforts.

- To undertake special economic research and development studies upon requests from local governments or agencies within the region.

- To assist local governments in economic development and industrial

development-related activities. This includes helping to secure federal assistance, such as EDA grant financing, Rural Development Administration grant/loan funds, HUD Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and other economic development related initiatives such as the Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Program.

- To expand and broaden the local economy through such activities as the

promotion of tourism.

- To increase the awareness and usage of the Catawba Regional Council of Governments and the Catawba Regional Development Corporation in economic development activities.

- To sponsor job training and retraining programs through the federal

Workforce Investment Act or other types of workforce development programs and to develop additional labor force data regarding the skills, experience and availability of local workers.

- To create competitive strategies for responding to the impacts of technology

and globalization on the local economy, particularly to the loss of manufacturing jobs.

- To assist with increasing the quality of life in the region’s communities to

attract and retain the “creative class” of young workers through investments in higher and continuing education, historic preservation, entertainment/arts/ culture, sports/tourism and alternative transportation options.

- To assist with the redevelopment of abandoned industrial sites through grant

support for environmental, historical, and market assessment activities.

REGIONAL ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

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The counties in the Catawba Region will continue to make long-term economic gains as

they diversify their previously textile dominated manufacturing bases and expand their services

and wholesale/retail sectors. While the recent recession had a significant negative effect on both

employment and economic development, the outlook for economic expansion over the long term

is positive because of the proximity of Charlotte, NC which has national drawing power (for

Chester, Lancaster and York counties) and Spartanburg, SC (for Union County). The economic

situation in the region will continue to improve as new investments create jobs lost by the

manufacturing sector. The region offers many incentives to potential new investments including

a seasonal climate, better than average public educational opportunities in most areas, first rate

transportation infrastructure including an international airport in nearby Charlotte, venues for

major league sports and other cultural opportunities, and an available workforce with a major

technical college presence in Chester, Union and York counties offering a variety of technical

training programs. Lancaster and Union counties also have two year University of South

Carolina Campuses, while Winthrop University and Clinton Junior College are located in York

County. A greater level of intergovernmental cooperation both within the region and the

region’s respective metropolitan areas further supplement the physical, cultural and geographic

advantages of the region.

Despite the economic progress made, some lingering problems persist. One of the

legacies of the region’s reliance on the textile industry is the unemployed labor force who must

be retrained to have sufficient skills to acquire new jobs outside the textile arena. Another

problem is lagging income levels compared to state and national averages. This income deficit is

another legacy of the generally low paying jobs offered by textile employers. To combat these

problems, the Council of Governments through its Workforce Investment Act program has

aggressively partnered with local agencies such as York Technical College and Carolina

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Community Action to provide displaced workers with the necessary retraining in order for them

to compete for newer, higher paying jobs requiring more skills. Now that the economic impact

of the decline of the textile industry is nearly complete, the region is poised to make steady

improvements to its economy as the national economy improves. Continued intergovernmental

cooperation, retraining of displaced workers and further diversification of the region’s

employment base will lead to enhanced higher wage job opportunities for workers and economic

growth for the region over the long term.

The Catawba Region has several economic clusters. The first cluster includes a variety

of allied industries involved in the manufacture or distribution of various types of auto parts and

supplies. All four of the region’s counties have investments that are included within this cluster,

such as Arvin Meritor and American Eagle Wheel. The Gestamp Automotive plant in Union

County is the latest example of this type of industry. Despite recent issues in the domestic

automotive sector, the long-term outlook for this cluster is positive given the location of BMW

in Spartanburg County, and the proximity of a number of NASCAR racing teams and major

trucking companies in the area.

The region also has smaller economic clusters consisting of petrochemical

manufacturing and supply companies, major distribution facilities and a growing financial

and health care services sector. These clusters also should continue to expand. The

region’s original economic cluster, the textile industry, has been in rapid decline and has

virtually ceased to exist as a major employer within the region.

Following is a more detailed analysis of the economies in each of the region’s four counties.

As expected, York County continues to experience the largest increase in population.

Current estimates put the county’s population at 226,073 in 2010, compared to 164,614 in 2000.

The County's proximity and connection via Interstate 77 and U. S. Highway 321 to the rapidly

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growing Charlotte-Mecklenburg metropolitan area insures continued future growth.

Infrastructure expansions, particularly in the Fort Mill Township and around the City of Rock

Hill, have created additional opportunities for York County to benefit from the residential and

economic development spillover from Charlotte-Mecklenburg. One area of concern in the

county is that new commercial and industrial growth is not keeping pace with residential growth,

thus creating an imbalance in the local tax base. The imbalance is most obvious in the Fort Mill

Township and the area around Lake Wylie.

In York County, the City of York is currently finishing needed improvements to its

wastewater treatment plant that will result in increased capacity to serve American Eagle Wheel,

the Filtration Group and MacLean Power.

The City of Rock Hill was recently awarded an EDA Planning Grant to conduct an

economic development study of the potential of its downtown area. The City may also approach

EDA later this year with a road realignment project to serve a major new distribution facility for

Ross Stores.

Between 2000 and 2010, Lancaster County has grown at a substantial rate, though at a

less accelerated rate than York County. While Chester and Union counties lost population since

2000, these losses were minimal and could be easily reversed if the counties began to experience

growth in their employment bases. While all three counties have attracted new economic

investment, these gains have not yet offset losses suffered by the textile industry since the 1980s.

One of the major goals of these counties is the diversification of their industrial employment

base and the expansion of their wholesale/retail and service sectors. The diversification of the

industrial employment base and expansion of other key employment sectors such as financial

services and distribution is more advanced in York County, contributing to the County's lower

unemployment rate.

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In Chester County, the manufacturing sector, particularly in the Richburg area near the

economically important I-77/ S.C. Highway 9 interchange, has helped the county begin to recover

some of the thousands of jobs it has lost in the textile industry in recent years. Additionally, the

Chester labor force has access to training resources through the new EDA-funded branch of York

Technical College which is located in Chester County. The Chester Sewer District has now

completed construction on an EDA funded upgrade to its Lando Wastewater Treatment Plant

which serves the Richburg area. A new project is now under development to further expand the

Lando plant to serve Guardian Industries as they add a new line of glass manufacturing. EDA

will be asked to provide some of the funding for this expansion.

Lancaster County, which also is contiguous to Charlotte-Mecklenburg, has experienced

rapid growth in its northern Indianland area and in and around the City of Lancaster. The

availability of water and sewer in the County along U. S. Highway 521 which connects

Lancaster to Charlotte are two likely reasons for this growth. High tech service companies, such

as Red Ventures, are becoming important to the northern Lancaster economy by employing large

number of high skilled employees.

Several thousand residential lots have been approved and are under development in this

area including those in a Del Webb “Sun City” development. In addition, the County has other

excellent routes such as S. C. Highway 9 which connects Lancaster to Chester and intersects

with Interstate 77, thus providing access to the Charlotte (NC) and Columbia (SC) metro areas.

Lancaster County Water and Sewer District has extended water and sewer infrastructure

into the Catawba Ridge development along the shores of the Fishing Creek Reservoir in the

southwestern part of the County. Catawba Ridge is a mixed-use development that is expected to

generate hundreds of new residential units, a business park, and industrial sites. Despite the

current economic climate, some residential development is taking place.

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The District is currently developing an EDA application to extend water and sewer lines

to USHIFU, a high tech manufacturer of ultrasound surgical devices. The EDA application will

also request funding to upgrade the intake and pump station at the District’s water plant. This

project is located in the high growth panhandle (Indianland) of the County.

The possibility for continued economic growth in and around the City of Lancaster also

looks promising. The Lancaster Business Park has attracted several industries with additional

lots available for development, and the City continues to expand its existing industrial base as

evidenced by current expansion at Metso Power and Duracell which have led to an EDA project

funding the upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant’s effluent pump station.

Union County has the potential to benefit economically from its direct linkage to

Spartanburg, South Carolina, via U. S. Highway 176 which has been widened to four lanes.

Proposed improvements in infrastructure and roads in the County are making it more attractive

to industrial clients. The County has expanded its industrial park adjacent to the U.S. Highway

176 corridor and has entered into joint industrial park agreements with neighboring counties to

increase the tax credits the County can offer. Gestamp Automotive, a major auto parts supplier

for the BMW facility, is the latest employer to locate in the Union Industrial Park along

U.S. Highway 176. Recently the EDA funded QuickJobs facility was completed to provide the

high tech robotics training needed by Gestamp workers.

It is noteworthy that EDA funding of key capital improvement projects in all four of the

region’s counties has helped to offset the continuing loss of manufacturing jobs to the local economy.

Income

Although income levels have risen in the Catawba Region in recent years, three of the

region’s four counties remain below the 2009 State per capita income averages of $23,196

(see Table 9). All four counties trail the U. S. 2009 average of $27,041. York County has made

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significant income gains since the 1980s on a countywide basis, and per capita income is now

above the State average. However, there are still areas within the County which fall below this

level.

The generally low-income levels show that the region's economy still lags behind State

standards. It also reflects lower educational levels and an inadequately skilled labor force.

The SC Act 388 has changed the funding structure for K-12 education, and it appears that

changes are having a negative financial effect on school districts in the region.

Employment

One of the major goals of all four counties in the Catawba Region is economic

diversification. Job losses and cutbacks in the manufacturing industry (the textile industry in

particular) have shown the economic problems which can be created by over-dependence on one

employment source. An analysis of employment statistics for the region shows that the

manufacturing industry (both durable and non-durable goods) still supplies the majority of jobs

in Chester and Union counties. However, both of these counties have experienced job increases

in the service sector since 2000 based on data from the SC Department of Employment and

Workforce (DEW).

In Lancaster and York counties, the manufacturing sector is no longer the leading

employment sector but still contains a significant portion of the jobs available within the

counties. The retail trade, health care, professional services, transportation and utility sectors of

the economy have grown considerably since the 1980s and now offer the majority of jobs

available in York County. In Lancaster County the retail trade sector is now a major employer

along with health care services. It should be noted the financial services jobs have increased

significantly, primarily related to the county’s proximity to Charlotte, (NC) a national center of

banking and finance.

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The dominance of manufacturing employment in Chester and Union counties and to a

lesser extent Lancaster County as opposed to the more balanced employment in York County

also is reflected in the 2010 annual unemployment rate for each county. Chester, Lancaster,

and Union counties all had rates (18.6%; 16.3%; and 18.6%, respectively) higher than the

State average (11.2%).

Unemployment data for the first half of 2011 shows that the rate has changed little and

will probably stay near 15% for Chester, Lancaster and Union counties. After many years of

having an unemployment rate that was lower than the State’s, York County’s 2010

unemployment rate of 15.4% once again exceeded the State average. It should be expected

that as long as jobs are concentrated in only a few industry sectors, then such sectors may

remain vulnerable to recession in the national economy from which the nation is currently

recovering. Counties in the Catawba Region are actively promoting strategies to help develop

a more diversified economic base. Projects aimed at renovation, expansion or new

construction of infrastructure and roads will help to meet this goal by making the region

attractive to various types of employers.

To follow are a variety of relevant socio-economic statistics for the region.

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UPDATED CENSUS AND

ECONOMIC DATA

In the last CEDS update published by the Council of Governments (September 2010),

demographic characteristics on the Catawba Region were identified and discussed. Since that

time, some new socio-economic data has been released with the 2010 Census.

Table 1: Population by County, Region and State, 1980-2010

County 1980 1990 2000 2010

Chester 30,148 32,170 34,068 33,140

Lancaster 53,361 54,516 61,351 76,652

Union 30,751 30,337 28,961

York 106,720 131,497 164,614 226,073

Region 220,980 248,520 289,914 364,826

State 3,120,729 3,486,703 4,012,012 2,233,241

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census of Population for selected years.

Table 2: Percentage Population Change by County, Region and State, 1970-2010

County 1970-1980 1980-1990 1990-2000

2000-2010

Chester 1.1% 6.7% 5.9% -2.7%

Lancaster 23.2% 2.2% 12.5% +24.9%

Union 5.2% -1.3% -1.5% -3.1%

York 25.2% 23.2% 25.2% +37.3%

Region 17.8% 12.5% 16.7% +25.8%

State 20.5% 11.7% 15.1% +26.0%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census of Population for selected years.

Table 3: Age Distribution by County and Region, 2010

Age Chester Lancaster Union

0-19 8,801 19,684 7,330

20-29 3,768 8,647 2,966

30-44 6,140 15,697 5,382

45-59 7,493 15,670 6,569

60-69 3,754 9,431 3,400

70 3,184 7,523 3,314

Age York Region

0-19 64,211 100,026

20-29 27,672 43,053

30-44 47,989 75,208

45-59 48,158 77,890

60-69 21,386 37,971

70 16,657 30,678

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census of Population, 2010.

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Table 4: Percentage of Population by Age Distribution by County and Region, 2010

Age Chester Lancaster Union

0-19 26.5% 25.5% 22.5%

20-29 11.4% 11.3% 10.2%

30-44 18.6% 20.5% 18.5%

45-59 22.6% 20.5% 22.6%

60-69 11.3% 12.3% 11.7%

70 9.6% 9.9% 11.5%

Age York Region

0-19 28.5% 26.5%

20-29 12.2% 11.3%

30-44 21.2% 19.7%

45-59 21.2% 21.7%

60-69 9.5% 11.2%

70 7.4% 9.6%

Table 5: Major Racial Groups by County, Region and State, 2000-2010

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Race Chester Lancaster Union

2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010

Hispanic origin (of any race) 255 479 978 3,384 199 282

White 20,304 19,814 43,215 54,844 20,155 19,286

Black 13,109 12,387 16,397 18,278 9,247 9,066

American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut 104 136 130 235 43 67

Asian or Pacific Islander 98 114 163 511 62 90

Race York Region State

2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010

Hispanic origin (of any race) 3,220 10,075 4,652 14,220 95,076 235,682

White 127,162 169,158 210,866 263,102 2,652,291 3,060,000

Black 31,380 43,003 70,133 82,734 1,178,486 1,290,684

American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut 1,359 1,934 1,636 2,372 12,756 19,524

Asian or Pacific Islander 1,481 3,539 1,804 4,254 36,838 61,757

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census of Population, 2000, 2010.

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Table 6: Percentage of Population by Racial Group by County, Region and State, 2000-2010

Race Chester Lancaster Union

2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010

Hispanic origin (of any race) 2.0% 1.4% 0.7% 4.4% 1.6% 1%

White 76.4% 59.8% 59.6% 71.5% 70.5% 66.6%

Black 19.1% 37.4% 38.5% 23.8% 26.7% 31.3%

American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut 0.8% 0.4% 0.3% .3% 0.2% .2%

Asian or Pacific Islander 0.9% 0.3% 0.3% .6% 0.3% .3%

Race York Region State

2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010

Hispanic origin (of any race) 0.7% 4.5% 2.6% 2.8% 2.4% 5.1%

White 67.5% 74.8% 56.0% 69.4% 66.1% 66.2%

Black 30.9% 19.0% 39.5% 27.8% 29.4% 27.9%

American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut 0.1% .9% 0.9% .5% 0.3% .4%

Asian or Pacific Islander 0.2% 1.6% 1.0% .7% 0.9% 1.4%

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Table 7: Educational Attainment by County, Region and State, 2000

Attainment Level Chester Lancaster Union York Region State

Less than 9th grade 2,426 4,232 2,724 8,177 17,559 215,776

Complete 9th to 12th grade, no diploma 4,817 7,997 3,962 15,888 32,664 398,503

High school graduate 7,962 14,447 7,361 30,127 59,897 778,054

Some college, no degree 3,533 7,058 3,057 21,842 35,490 500,194

Associate degree 1,198 2,657 1,136 7,610 12,601 173,428

Bachelor's degree 1,355 2,742 1,347 14,945 20,839 351,526

Graduate or professional degree 752 1,387 635 7,168 9,942 178,529

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census of Population, for selected years. Note: 2010 Data Not Available at Publication Date

22

Table 8: Percentage of Population by Educational Attainment by County, Region and State, 2000

Attainment Level Chester Lancaster Union York Region State

Less than 9th grade 11.0% 10.4% 13.5% 7.7% 10.7% 8.3%

Complete 9th to 12th grade, no diploma 21.9% 19.7% 19.6% 15.0% 19.1% 15.4%

High school graduate 36.1% 35.7% 36.4% 28.5% 34.2% 30.0%

Some college, no degree 16.0% 17.4% 15.1% 20.7% 17.3% 19.3%

Associate degree 5.4% 6.6% 5.6% 7.2% 6.2% 6.7%

Bachelor's degree 6.1% 6.8% 6.7% 14.1% 8.4% 13.5%

Graduate or professional degree 3.4% 3.4% 3.1% 6.8% 4.2% 6.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census of Population, for selected years. Note: 2010 Data Not Available at Publication Date

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Table 9: Per Capita Income by County, Region and State (Current Dollars), 1979-2009*

1979 1989 1999 2009

Chester 6,720 11,934 18,215 17,798

Lancaster 7,436 13,782 20,150 18,929

Union 6,640 11,917 16,373 17,990

York 8,229 16,851 24,574 25,674

Region 7,611 14,939 22,045 20,326

State 7,558 15,106 23,538 23,196

Nation 10,183 19,584 28,546 27,041 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census of Population for selected years. * US Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Accounts Data, 2007

Table 10: Per Capita Income by County, Region and State (Constant 1999 Dollars)1 , 1969-1999

County 1969 1979 1989 1999

Chester 11,530 15,088 15,687 18,215

Lancaster 13,249 16,695 18,117 20,150

Union 11,867 14,908 15,665 16,373

York 13,222 18,476 22,151 24,574

Region 12,748 17,087 19,638 22,045

State 13,329 16,969 19,857 23,538

Nation 18,522 23,283 26,217 28,546 1Adjusted using Consumer Price Index, U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Table 11: Employment by Industry by Place of Residence, 1990-2011

Industry Chester Lancaster Union

1990 2000 *2011 1st Qtr 1990 2000

*2011 1st Qtr. 1990 2000

*2011 1st Qtr

Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries 327 198 79 459 304 27 152 175 97

Mining 17 * NA 103 * NA 11 * NA

Construction 901 1,169 216 2,054 2,662 553 739 843 147

Manufacturing 6,082 4,746 2,094 11,249 9,107 1,977 6,734 4,880 945

Transportation, communication and other public utilities 877 763 486 963 1,032 453 490 540 128

Wholesale trade and retail trade 2,282 2,149 1,301 4,539 4,748 2,452 1,991 1,524 976

Finance, insurance, and real estate 489 407 193 960 1,348 747 391 466 253

Services 2,990 4,598 1,607 4,194 7,641 6,438 2,708 3,742 1,357

Public administration 365 456 NA 509 849 NA 512 586 NA

Total Employment 14,330 14,486 5,976 25,030 27,691 12,674 13,728 12,756 3,903

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Note: 2010 Data Not Available at Publication Date *2011 Data does not include information for employment sectors.

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Table 11: Employment by Industry by Place of Residence, 1990-2011 (Cont’d)

Industry York Region

1990 2000 *2011 1st Qtr. 1990 2000

*2011 1st Qtr.

Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries 916 496 382 1,854 1,173 585

Mining 92 * NA 223 * NA

Construction 5,351 6,437 2,263 9,045 11,111 3,179

Manufacturing 20,399 17,475 9,227 44,464 36,208 14,243

Transportation, communication and other public utilities 5,128 5,078 4,082 7,458 7,413 5,149

Wholesale trade and retail trade 13,490 14,163 13,970 22,302 22,769 18,699

Finance, insurance, and real estate 3,382 4,841 6,255 5,222 6,662 7,448

Services 16,711 28,715 25,600 26,603 44,696 35,002

Public administration 1,570 2,142 N/A 2,956 4,033 NA

Total Employment 67,039 79,347 61,779 120,127 134,065 84,305

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics

*2011 Data does not include information for all employment sectors.

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Table 12: Percentage of Workforce Employed by Industry by Place of Residence, 1990-2011


1990 2000 *2011 1st Qtr. 1990 2000

*2011 1st Qtr. 1990 2000

*2011 1st Qtr.

Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries 2.3% 1.3% 1.3% 1.8% 1.1% .1 1.1% 1.4% 2.5

Mining 0.1% 0% NA 0.4% 0% NA 0.1% 0% NA

Construction 6.3% 7.9% 3.6 8.2% 9.5% 4.4 5.4% 6.5% 3.8

Manufacturing 42.4% 32.1% 35.0 44.9% 32.4% 15.6 49.1% 37.8% 24.2

Transportation, communication and other public utilities 6.1% 5.2% 8.1 3.8% 3.7% 3.6 3.6% 4.2% 3.3

Wholesale trade and retail trade 15.9% 14.5% 21.8 18.1% 16.9% 19.3 14.5% 11.8% 25.0

Finance, insurance, and real estate 3.4% 2.8% 3.2 3.8% 4.8% 5.9 2.8% 3.6% 6.5

Services 20.9% 31.1% 26.9 16.8% 27.2% 50.8 19.7% 29.1% 34.8

Public administration 2.5% 3.1% NA 2.0% 3.0% NA 3.7% 4.5% NA

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census of Population, for selected years.

*2011 data does not include information for all employment sectors.

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Table 12: Percentage of Workforce Employed by Industry by Place of Residence, 1990-2011 (Cont’d)

Industry York Region

1990 2000 *2011 1st Qtr. 1990 2000

*2011 1st Qtr.

Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries 1.4% 0.6% 6.2% 1.5% 1.1% .1%

Mining 0.1% 0% NA 0.2% 0% NA

Construction 8.0% 7.9% 3.7% 7.5% 7.6% 3.8%

Manufacturing 30.4% 21.4% 14.9% 37.0% 30.9% 16.9%

Transportation, communication and other public utilities 7.6% 6.2% 6.6% 6.2% 4.8% 6.1%

Wholesale trade and retail trade 20.1% 17.4% 22.6% 18.6% 15.2% 22.2%

Finance, insurance, and real estate 5.0% 5.9% 10.1% 4.3% 4.3% 8.8%

Services 24.9% 35.2% 41.4% 22.1% 22.1% 41.5%

Public administration 2.3% 2.6% NA 2.5% 2.5% NA

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistic. *2011 data does not include information for all employment sectors.

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Table 13: Employment by Place of Work by County, Region and State, 1980-2000


1980 1990 2000

1980 1990 2000

1980 1990 2000

Construction 646 901 500 1,432 2,054 950 609 739 280

Manufacturing 6,891 6,082 4,940 14,767 11,249 6,800 8,047 6,734 4,530

Transportation, communication and other public utilities 590 877 460 900 963 380 473 490 230

Wholesale trade and retail trade 1,793 2,282 2,700 3,161 4,539 3,990 1,447 1,991 1,570

Finance, insurance, and real estate 221 489 180 707 960 970 381 391 300

Services 2,334 2,990 1,240 3,878 4,194 4,110 2,525 2,708 1,610

Government 1,984 2,262 2,610 2,471 2,948 2,800 1,883 2,070 2,370

Total Employment 13,104 14,330 14,550 25,615 25,030 28,180 13,955 13,728 14,150

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census of Population, for selected years. Note: 2010 Data not available at publication date.

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Table 13: Employment by Place of Work by County, Region and State, 1980-2000 (Cont’d)

Industry York Region State

1980 1990 2000 1980 1990 2000 1980 1990 2000

Construction 3,588 5,351 3,000 6,275 9,045 4,730 95,206 127,294 114,000

Manufacturing 19,966 20,399 12,000 49,671 44,464 28,270 430,065 411,561 344,800

Transportation, communication and other public utilities 3,927 5,128 3,300 5,890 7,458 4,370 76,015 97,399 102,800

Wholesale trade and retail trade 7,947 13,490 15,400 14,348 22,302 23,660 237,619 324,374 440,500

Finance, insurance, and real estate 1,804 3,382 1,500 3,113 5,222 2,950 57,429 81,912 81,700

Services 10,408 16,711 15,900 19,145 26,603 22,860 237,584 319,730 447,2000

Government 6,382 8,222 9,200 12,720 15,502 16,980 55,800 71,434 314,700

Total Employment 49,303 67,039 85,670 101,977 120,127 142,550 1,319,970 1,603,425 1,875,400


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Table 14: Percentage of Workforce Employed by Industry by Place of Residence, 1980-2000


1980 1990 2000

1980 1990 2000

1980 1990 2000

Construction 4.9% 6.3% 3.4% 5.6% 8.2% 3.4% 4.4% 5.4% 2.0%

Manufacturing 52.6% 42.4% 34.0% 57.6% 44.9% 24.1% 57.7% 49.1% 32.0%

Transportation, communication and other public utilities 4.5% 6.1% 3.2% 3.5% 3.8% 1.3% 3.4% 3.6% 1.6%

Wholesale trade and retail trade 13.7% 15.9% 18.6% 12.3% 18.1% 14.2% 10.4% 14.5% 11.1%

Finance, insurance, and real estate 1.7% 3.4% 1.2% 2.8% 3.8% 3.4% 2.7% 2.8% 2.1%

Services 17.8% 20.9% 8.5% 15.1% 16.8% 14.6% 18.1% 19.7% 11.4%

Government 15.1% 15.8% 17.9% 9.6% 11.8% 9.9% 13.5% 15.1% 16.7%


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Table 14: Percentage of Workforce Employed by Industry by Place of Residence, 1980-2000 (Cont’d)

Industry York Region State

1980 1990 2000

1980 1990 2000

1980 1990 2000

Construction 7.3% 8.0% 3.5% 6.2% 7.5% 3.3% 7.2% 7.9% 6.1%

Manufacturing 40.5% 30.4% 14.0% 48.7% 37.0% 19.8% 32.6% 25.7% 18.4%

Transportation, communication and other public utilities 8.0% 7.6% 3.9% 5.8% 6.2% 3.1% 5.8% 6.1% 5.5%

Wholesale trade and retail trade 16.1% 20.1% 18.0% 14.1% 18.6% 16.6% 18.0% 20.2% 23.5%

Finance, insurance, and real estate 3.7% 5.0% 1.8% 3.1% 4.3% 2.1% 4.4% 5.1% 4.4%

Services 21.1% 24.9% 18.6% 18.8% 22.1% 16.0% 18.0% 19.9% 23.8%

Government 12.9% 12.3% 10.7% 12.5% 12.9% 11.9% 4.2% 4.5% 16.8%


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Table 15: Average Weekly Wage Rates by Industry for Non-Agricultural Employees for the Year 2010

Occupation Chester Lancaster Union York Region State

Construction 850 532 483 729 649 789

Manufacturing 905 948 773 982 902 953

Transportation, communication, and public utilities 680 610 702 622 654 725

Wholesale trade 784 811 627 980 801 1,048

Retail trade 356 443 355 525 420 470

Finance, insurance, and real estate 675 859 727 853 779 1,014

Federal government 920 797 877 859 862 1,126

State government 633 645 606 741 656 796

Local government 647 593 617 692 637 726 Source: South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.

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Table 16: Persons Below Poverty Level by County, Region and State, 1969-1999

County 1969 1979 1989 1999 Chester 7,883 4,840 5,381 5,157

Lancaster 7,465 5,930 7,259 7,599

Union 5,183 3,648 5,102 4,230

York 13,435 11,407 13,207 16,082

Region 33,966 25,825 30,949 33,068

State 594,938 500,363 517,793 547,869

Nation 25,420,000 29,272,000 33,585,000 33,899,812Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census of Population, for selected years.

Table 17: Percentage of Population Below Poverty Level by County,

Region and State, 1969-2009

County 1969 1979 1989 1999 2009

Chester 26.5% 16.1% 16.8% 15.3% 19.5%Lancaster 17.3% 11.2% 13.4% 12.8% 19.8%Union 17.8% 11.9% 17.0% 14.3% 21.9%York 16.3% 11.0% 10.3% 10.0% 12.4%Region 18.4% 11.9% 12.7% 11.5% 15.6%State 23.0% 16.6% 15.4% 14.1% 17.1%Nation 12.6% 13.0% 13.5% 12.4% 14.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census of Population, for selected years. Community Survey, 2005-2009.

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Table 19: Capital Investment by County, Region, and State by Decade, 1970-1999

County 1970-1979($000) 1980-1989($000) 1990-1999($000)

Chester 105,734 386,010 532,535

Lancaster 91,023 292,728 530,216

Union 54,350 171,588 282,582

York 158,129 1,208,710 1,398,944

Region 409,236 2,059,036 2,744,277

State 7,716,447 21,336,409 42,232,451

Source: South Carolina Department of Commerce, Capital Investment Report for selected years. Note: 2010 Data not available at publication date.

Table 20: County as Share of Region and Region as Share of State 1970-1999

County 1970-1979 1980-1989 1990-1999

Chester 25.8% 18.7% 19.4%

Lancaster 22.2% 14.2% 19.3%

Union 13.3% 8.3% 10.3%

York 38.6% 58.7% 51.0%

Region 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Region/State 5.3% 9.7% 6.5%


Table 18: Labor Force Data for the Year 2010

County Labor Force Total

Unemployment Percentage

Employment Unemployed Chester 14,975 12,187 2,788 18.6Lancaster 30,751 25,747 5,004 16.3Union 11,494 9,356 2,138 18.6York 115,101 97,424 17,677 15.4Region 172,321 144,714 27,602 17.2State 2,164,612 1,922,815 241,797 11.2

Source: South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.

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Table 22: County as Share of Region and Region as Share of State 1970-1999

County 1970-1979 1980-1989 1990-1999

Chester 22.1% 22.5% 15.3%

Lancaster 15.0% 15.4% 19.9%

Union 23.7% 16.8% 9.3%

York 39.2% 45.3% 55.5%

Region 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

Region/State 6.4% 9.8% 10.0%


Table 21: New Job Creation by County, Region, and State by Decade,

1970-1999

County 1970-1979 1980-1989 1990-1999

Chester 1,879 3,409 3,210

Lancaster 1,279 2,340 4,168

Union 2,020 2,543 1,940

York 3,333 6,859 11,599

Region 8,511 15,151 20,917

State 133,605 154,353 208,356


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PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

One of the largest public/private partnership in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area which

includes the Catawba Region is the Charlotte Regional Partnership. The partnership is a

public/private non-profit economic development organization that provides site location

assistance for new industry and commerce, leads to local economic development professionals

and selective research for prospects considering the area for location. Other examples include

the Carolina Thread Trail Initiative and the Timken Sports Complex in the City of Union in

Union County. The City of Rock Hill also is working with private partners to help redevelop the

“Textile Corridor,” a series of abandoned textile mill properties along Dave Lyle Boulevard near

downtown. The “Cotton Factory,” a remodeled office complex, is an example of a textile

facility conversion. The outlook for these types of partnerships remains positive as cash

strapped local governments look for private sector participation in a variety of planning efforts

and projects. A 5,360 square foot Childrens’ Museum recently opened in Rock Hill as another

example of the City’s commitment to redevelop the downtown area. The project was funded by

both public and private sources.

Currently, the City is partnering with Comporium Communications to redevelop part of

the downtown area. The “Downtown East” project would redevelop several blocks of downtown

into a 1.8 acre park, along with new retail/office space, condominiums and a full service hotel.

Finally, Council of Governments staff continues to partner with various local entities to

implement the job retraining and placement components of the Workforce Investment Act

program. The Council’s affiliate, the Catawba Regional Community Finance Corporation has

filed a $50 million application for New Markets Tax Credits. If awarded, the credits would be

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used for rural businesses and for redevelopment of former textile related properties throughout

the Catawba Region and the state. Additionally, the Council is the lead partner with Centralina

COG (Charlotte) for a $3.5 million Sustainable Communities grant application.

CEDS GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE

CATAWBA REGION

As indicated by the strategies cited earlier in this report, Council of Governments staff

are employed in a wide range of activities that help promote economic development in the

Catawba Region. To follow are the goals and objectives staff, working in concert with other

local economic development professionals, expect to achieve over the next five years.

Goal 1

- To promote job creation and lower unemployment in the region. Strategies

- To assist local governments in economic development and industrial development-related

activities. This includes helping to secure federal assistance, such as EDA grant financing, Rural Development Administration grant/loan funds, or HUD Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and through other economic development related initiatives such as the Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Program.

- To assist in the financing of new businesses and the retention and expansion of existing businesses, through such programs as EDA’s Revolving Loan Fund and SBA’s 504 Program. - To sponsor job training and retraining programs through the federal Workforce Investment Act. To develop additional labor force data regarding the skills, experience and availability of workers.

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Objectives

- To fund one new EDA Public Works project annually resulting in the creation of 300 or more new jobs. - To fund 10 new loans resulting in the creation of 100 new jobs. - To retrain 500 displaced workers with relevant job skills allowing them to re-enter the workforce.

Goal 2

- To assist local governments in their industrial recruitment efforts by maintaining and supplying needed social/economic data and conducting relevant economic studies as requested.

Strategies

- To increase the awareness and usage of the Catawba Regional Council of Governments and the Catawba Regional Development Corporation in economic development activities. - To encourage public/private sector partnerships in economic development efforts. - To undertake special economic research and development studies upon requests from local governments or agencies within the region.

Objectives

- To continue publishing building permit reports regionwide on a quarterly basis showing permit numbers by type, value of permits and growth areas within each of our counties. - To maintain our regional census library and disseminate new information or existing information to local economic development professionals or prospects interested in the region.

Goal 3

- To assist state and local governments with environmentally related studies and plans to preserve air and water quality as the region continues to grow and urbanize.

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Strategy

- To assist local planning and economic development programs through technical assistance such as participating in local strategic planning processes and environmentally related or growth management studies.

Objectives - To work with Chester, Lancaster and York counties, Duke Energy and Bowater, Inc. to carry

on the activities of the Catawba Scenic River Advisory Commission. - To participate with other local government organizations in working with the Catawba-

Wateree Basin Advisory Commission. - To continue to work with the SC Energy Office and local governments to implement

practices to lower energy consumption. - To continue to work with the “CONNECT” initiative to promote cleaner air and sustainable

growth.

STRATEGIC PROJECTS, PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

A. Suggested Projects Listing Project Environmental assessment and redevelopment of abandoned textile sites into viable

commercial/industrial uses or mixed use developments featuring retail space, residences and recreation facilities. Projected Job Creation

Up to 300 new jobs regionwide over five years. Lead Organizations The cities of Rock Hill, Fort Mill, York, Lancaster, Chester and Union, the Town of Great

Falls, Chester and Jonesville, the Catawba Regional Council of Governments, the SC Department of Commerce, the Catawba Regional Community Finance Corporation, and SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.

41

B. Vital Projects Listing Project Continued expansion and enhancement of area water and wastewater treatment facilities

including the construction of a new water plant in Fort Mill to meet growth demands and to preserve the environment.

Projected Job Creation Up to 1,000 new jobs over five years at new and existing industry and commerce. Lead Organizations Local water and wastewater treatment providers, the Catawba Regional Council of

Governments, the SC Department of Commerce, and federal agencies such as EDA. Project To expand the availability of mass transit within the region’s larger cities and to the City of

Charlotte. Projected Job Creation Up to 100 new jobs over five years. Lead Organizations The SC and NC Departments of Transportation, local public transit agencies, and the

Catawba Regional Council of Governments. Project

Promote the expansion of technical training opportunities in the region’s four counties particularly at the Chester Technology Center (York Technical College) in Chester County, the QuickJobs Center (Spartanburg Community College) in Union County and York Technical College in York County. Projected Job Creation Up to 1,000 new jobs over five years.

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Lead Organizations Chester, Union and York counties, the technical college, Catawba Regional Council of Governments and the SC Department of Commerce.

CEDS PLAN OF ACTION

The Council of Governments will continue to implement the goals and objectives of the

CEDS by providing needed technical assistance to citizens and governments throughout the

Catawba Region in a variety of capacities. These include securing state and federal grant funds

for major infrastructure projects, providing socio-economic demographic data and GIS mapping

as required by the local economic development staff, working with environmentally related

organizations such as the Catawba-Wateree Basin Advisory Commission, the Catawba Scenic

River Advisory Commission, the SC Energy Office, and SC Department of Health and

Environmental Control.

Another important function of the Council of Governments is the implementation of the

Workforce Investment Act Program. Working with local industrial partners, COG staff is able to

identify needed job skills necessary to secure employment with local industry and commerce and

through our contractual relationship with the One Stop Employment Center operator and

agencies such as Carolina Community Actions, Inc. we are able to provide displaced workers

with these skills through retraining programs.

Finally, the Council of Governments’ Development Corporation continues to provide gap

financing to small businesses and local governments from a variety of sources, helping to create

new jobs and capital investment in the region.

Catawba Regional will continue to work with state and local economic development

professionals to recruit additional high wage, high technology jobs for the region. New higher

43

wage jobs, expansion of private investment and retraining of displaced workers are all priorities

of South Carolina’s economic development program.

REGIONAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION The goals and objectives for this year’s CEDS remain the same as the previous year.

Reducing unemployment and creating new jobs through the recruitment of new industry and the

expansion of existing industry remain the highest priority. The Council of Governments

partially met its FY 09/10 goals.

Goal #1

One new EDA planning grant application has been submitted to EDA for the City of

Rock Hill to study ways to promote job creation and redevelopment in the downtown area. EDA

is currently reviewing the application.

Staff are currently developing possible EDA projects with the Lancaster County Water

and Sewer District and the Chester Sewer District. Applications for these projects are expected

to be filed with EDA later this year.

The Council and Development Corporation had 12 new loans resulting in the creation of

54 new jobs. These companies will create over $8.8 million in new capital investment.

Two thousand, nine-hundred fifty persons have now entered retraining programs to

receive skills that will allow them to enter the work force. The net result of these activities along

with the efforts of the region’s other economic development partners is that new opportunities

44

for employment are being created during these especially difficult economic times. All four of

the region’s counties experienced increases in their unemployment rate during the past year.

Goal #2

The Council of Governments increased its efforts to assist local governments in industrial

recruitment by supplying socio-economic data and by providing quarterly building permit

reports showing permit totals countywide, by municipality and census track.

On a monthly basis the Council of Governments receives approximately twenty requests

for socio-economic data and up to ten requests for building permit data. To make this data more

easily accessible the Council of Governments continues to upload this data to its website.

Goal #3 Council staff continued to meet with various organizations promoting clean air and water

and sustainable growth. Included among these organizations were local and state governments

involved in the “CONNECT” project, the SC Energy Office, SC DOT and the Catawba Scenic

River Advisory Commission, and the SC DHEC Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund.

Council staff met with most of these organizations on a quarterly basis.

REVIEW OF COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND ACTIVITIES

This section summarizes significant Council of Governments’ activities through

September 2011.

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Economic Development

In Chester County, an application is now beginning on an EDA project to upgrade a

pump station serving the economically important Lando Wastewater Treatment Plant near the

Town of Richburg. The project will allow for the creation of over 45 new jobs at Guardian

Industries. Guardian plans to invest $45,000,000 to install a new glass manufacturing process at

the Richburg plant.

In York County, a project to upgrade the City of York’s wastewater treatment plant is

nearing completion. The project is a major upgrade of the City’s wastewater treatment plant

capacity. The project will allow for the creation of up to 500 new jobs at five industries.

The City of Rock Hill was recently awarded an EDA funded planning study to look at

ways to further job creation and redevelopment in its downtown’s area. The City also may

pursue EDA funding for a project to serve a major distribution facility for Ross stores later this

year.

Finally, construction is now underway on a City of Lancaster wastewater treatment plant

pump station upgrade to serve Metso Power and Duracell. This project will result in the creation

of 24 new jobs and millions of dollars in new capital investment in these existing industries.

The Lancaster County Water and Sewer District will be seeking funding from EDA to

help upgrade its water plant and to extend water/sewer lines to USHIFU, a manufacturer of high

frequency ultrasound equipment. The project will result in the creation of 143 new jobs and

$7 million in capital investment.

Community Development

The Council of Governments is actively involved in the SC Community Development

Block Grant (CD) program as administered by the Governor's Office. The Council of

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Governments helps local governments identify project needs, prepares CD applications and

administers awarded grants.

The Council staff is currently administering 12 Community Development Block Grants

valued at over $5.5 million. Council staff is also administering $2.8 million in Neighborhood

Stabilization Program (NSP) funding in York and Lancaster counties.

Other Technical Assistance

The Council of Governments provides a variety of technical assistance services to its

member and local governments. Staff has continued to partner with the Centralina Council of

Governments to implement the “CONNECT” project which seeks to promote regional solutions

to planning, transportation and environmental issues within the Charlotte (NC) metropolitan

region. As an offshoot of this process Centralina COG and Catawba Regional will apply for

grant funds through HUD’s Sustainable Communities program to develop a long-term “regional

vision” that will implement the core values identified in the CONNECT process to promote

sustainable communities and economic development.

Council staff continues to serve as planning staff for the Town of Clover, the City of

York, Chester County, the City of Lancaster and the City of Union.

The Council of Governments continues to work with the Catawba Scenic River Advisory

Commission and the Bi-state Catawba Wateree Advisory Commission in studying ways to

preserve the river. Finally, the Council of Governments continues to maintain its building permit

tracking database. Currently, reports are being issued on a quarterly basis showing permit

activity regionwide and growth areas within the region’s counties.

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Loan Programs

The Council began its EDA Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) in August 1986 and by June

1988 had fully committed its initial capitalization of $700,000. Later that year, a recapitalization

of $450,000 was added. In 1993, the Council of Governments was awarded an additional

recapitalization of $300,000. Both recapitalizations have now been lent and new loans are being

made with funds that are being repaid. Currently, the Council has loaned a total of over

$10.8 million through the EDA RLF which has resulted in the creation of over 998 new jobs.

These loans have leveraged private investments of over $56.1 million.

The COG serves as the statewide administrator for the SC DHEC’s Brownfields Cleanup

Revolving Loan Fund (BCRLF). To date 10 loans and subgrants have been made totaling over

$5.4 million dollars. These loans have leveraged over $5.4 million in private investments.

The Council's Development Corporation operates an SBA 504 Fixed Asset Loan Program

in all four of the region's counties. The Development Corporation is one of the most active SBA

504 lenders in the State with over $29.2 million of SBA 504 loans originated since its inception.

Eight hundred and ninety-three new jobs have been created as a result of the loans which have

leveraged over $50 million in private investment.

The Rural Development Intermediary Relending Program (IRP), in which the Council is

participating, has resulted in loans totaling $2.8 million and the creation of 122 jobs.

Finally, the Council’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) program

has made loans of $523,403 leveraging $475,000 in private investment and creating ten new

jobs.

Technical Assistance Graphics and Mapping Projects

The Council of Governments continues to expand the growing use of its in-house GIS

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system which uses ArcInfo software. Current projects include developing traffic count maps for

the region, providing transportation maps for the mass transit and long-range transportation

plans, and an economic development service (ARC server). Staff continues to update a

water/sewer infrastructure database for the SC Department of Commerce. Other GIS projects

include updating of base maps for Chester and Union counties’ E-911 programs and various

maps for the SC Department of Commerce. The database which has been developed for these

projects will greatly enhance the Council’s ability to assist in future planning and economic

development projects.

Staff is also working onsite with various local government GIS departments to further

develop their GIS capacities. A new COG website is now operational which will enhance

information dissemination throughout the region.

The Council of Governments continues to update the zoning maps for the cities of

Chester and York and Chester County which contain information on roads, parcel boundaries

and zoning districts. Zoning maps for Lancaster County, the Town of Great Falls and the City of

Union also have been created containing similar information.

Finally, the Council of Governments worked with the US Census Bureau to update the

census boundary maps for the upcoming 2010 census.

Census

Catawba Regional is continuing to serve as a regional data center for demographic and

economic statistics. The Council is designated as an official Affiliate Data Center of the

U.S. Bureau of the Census. Data has been researched and provided, on request, to local

governments, chambers of commerce, social service agencies, the business community and the

general public.

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Recently, Council staff has begun disseminating data upon request from the 2010 census.

Finally, Council staff is assisting the SC DOT in delineating Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZs)

based on 2010 population criteria. SC DOT uses the TAZ’s to model transportation impacts.

Workforce Investment Act

Beginning July 1, 2000, the Council became the program administrator for the Workforce

Investment Act in Chester, Lancaster and York counties. This program replaces the previous

JTPA program the Council administered. As part of the Council’s responsibilities, contracts

with Carolina Community Actions Agency and other providers have been entered into to provide

a wide range of job placement and job training services to local residents.

In the last year 2,950 persons received intensive job retraining services.

Transportation and Energy

The Council of Governments also is continuing to work with the SC Energy Office to

promote greater energy efficiency within local governments. CRCOG in partnership with the

South Carolina Energy Office assisted local governments in the region in implementing ARRA

funding for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants totaling $467,000.

Staff also is working as a liaison between local governments and SC DOT to rank local

road construction projects within the region.

Current transportation projects include Elderly and Disabled Transportation for Chester,

Lancaster and York counties. These projects are valued at $225,000. Staff also secured $57,600

in Job Access Reverse Commute funds for York Technical College and is working with

Lancaster County to develop a Trail and Greenway Master Plan.

Finally, staff is implementing a $450,000 project for a countywide medical transportation

program in Lancaster County.

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Proposed Capital Improvement Projects

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Chester County Priority Capital Improvements Chester County - Product Development 1. Distinguish sites by developing business parks. 2. Raise development standards in parks with the use of restrictive covenants. 3. Gain firmer control over land through public ownership or public-private partnerships. 4. Certify sites. 5. Create stronger advantage through shell or virtual buildings. 6. Continued focused promotion of Carolinas I-77 Mega Site. - Workforce Development 1. Investigate creating a guaranteed worker program. 2. Work the new York Technical College – Chester Campus – determine if the REWARDS programs can be adopted locally. 3. Investigate an education endowment program which would fund a technical school education for every high school graduate. - Develop industrial parks near I-77 and S.C. Highway 9.

- Increase capacity of sewage treatment plants and expand their collection systems, particularly the Lando and Rocky Creek WWTPs to accommodate economic and population growth and extend sewer lines from the Richburg area to the Great Falls WWTP to provide increased treatment capacity.

- Upgrade water systems throughout the county including an upgrade of the Chester

Metropolitan District’s water plant.

- Investigate the possibility of a water treatment plant on the Broad River.

- Improve water and sewer lines to all industrial sites (Chester, Great Falls, Richburg).

- Install sewer between Chester and Fort Lawn.

- Continue improvements to the Chester County Airport and classify the land around the airport as a Foreign Trade Zone.

- Connect the sewer systems between Fort Lawn and Great Falls.

- Improve and replace aging water and sewer lines in Chester, Great Falls and Lando.

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Chester County (Continued)

- Continue development of the Chester County Recreation Complex in the Richburg area and upgrade existing recreational facilities.

- Extend water and sewer along the I-77 corridor including the S.C. Highway 97

interchange.

- Develop interchange on I-77 at the York County-Chester County line to promote a site for a potential multi-county industrial park.

- Implement a unified countywide fire system. - Construct a “gateway” on S.C. Highway 9 at I-77.

- Renovate the historic Chester County Courthouse. - Construct a new Department of Social Services facility. - Construct a new Emergency Services Center.

- Continue countywide clean-up of abandoned mill sites as well as other types of Brownfields.

Chester City

- Provide affordable housing (low income and median income houses and apartments). - Continue community development and revitalization.

- Expand Curbside Recycling Program and develop alternatives for yard and other

debris disposal.

- Implement Green City concept for streets, streetscapes, parks, housing, commercial development, and waste disposal.

- Pursue accreditation of Police Department.

- Develop seven attractive in-bound gateways and entry portals into the City at

Lancaster Street/S.C. Highway 9 east; West End Street/Cochran Bypass/S.C. Highway 72 south; Pinckney Street/S.C. Highway 9 north; Columbia Street and Road; Saluda Street and Road/SC Highway 72 east; York Street and Road; and Center Street/S.C. Highway 97 north.

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Chester City (Continued) - Continue Central and Second Loop Business District revitalization efforts and

overall enhancement of the community’s appearance.

- Continue improvements at the various cemeteries in the City, and the development of the current and new sections of Evergreen Cemetery.

- Promote expansion of size and capability of Law Enforcement Center on Dawson

Drive.

- Develop a plan for Police Services and Municipal Administration relocation and expansion.

- Develop and implement a plan for dead-end street improvements. - Construct landscaped parking areas behind stores in downtown Chester. - Upgrade the water and sewer and other utility systems throughout the City. - Develop condo and apartment complex potentials in the City.

- Annex properties to provide better level of current services and for future

development. - Promote historical, cultural, and recreational development projects. - Construct road improvements and sidewalks where needed. - Develop tourism visitation sites inside and outside the City. - Promote Education Improvement projects including the construction of a Chester

campus of York Technical College. - Enhance development of the Market Square/Farmers Market/Back Lot area.

- Promote skills training for the workforce.

- Develop and implement a plan to improve communication and coordination between

service delivery agencies.

- Develop plan for Public Transportation in and around the City and throughout the region.

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Chester City (Continued)

- Continue improvements to City Hall building and develop new concept for City Hall.

- Promote better healthcare opportunities.

- Promote City as a live-able, walk-able, residential community for workers in the

Rock Hill, Charlotte, and Columbia metropolitan areas.

- Promote quality of life and senior services to retirees from North and Northeast U.S.

- Provide better Police, Fire, Recreation and Public Works services.

- Pursue comprehensive economic development throughout the City. Great Falls

- Continue neighborhood revitalization in Great Falls.

- Continue Home Town Nature Based Tourism Initiative. - Locate new industry in the William State Lee Industrial Park.

- Upgrade the water and sewer systems throughout the Town. - Extend water and sewer service from Great Falls to I-77 and up S.C. Highway 99 to

S.C. Highway 9.

- Upgrade the Town’s wastewater treatment plant. - Continue community appearance improvements in Great Falls.

Richburg

- Provide additional water and sewer infrastructure to the I-77 interchange and surrounding area.

- Continue appropriate planning to accommodate growth.

- Extend water lines to fringe areas along town limits.

Fort Lawn

- Expand and upgrade the Town's water and sewer.

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Lancaster County Priority Capital Improvements Lancaster County

- Continue water and sewer service expansion throughout Lancaster County with attention to the following areas:

Seek grant funding to upgrade water/sewer utility lines in low to moderate

income areas. Increase the capacity of the Catawba River Water Plant (Lancaster County

Water and Sewer District). Expand sewer service in Indianland including increasing WWTP capacity and

connect system to the City of Lancaster’s systems. Complete extension of water system throughout the Indianland area and up to

the North Carolina line and connect to the City of Lancaster system. Expand water and sewer services along the SC Highway 9 corridor.

- Upgrade US 521/Riverside Road rail corridor.

- Construct the improvements sited in the U.S. Highway 521 North/SC Highway 9 North Corridor Study.

- Widen roads outlined in the Regional Roads Plan including SC Highway 160 from Fort Mill to U.S. Highway 521.

- Extend:

SC Highway 903 from Community Lane to SC Highway 151 in Chesterfield County. U.S. Highway 521 from Twilight Road to I-20 in Kershaw County. SC Highway 5 from U.S. Highway 521 to U.S. Highway 21 in York County. SC Highway 9 from U.S. Highway 521 to U.S. Highway 601 in Chesterfield County. SC Highway 122 from current terminus to U.S. Highway 521. SC Highway 160 from U.S. Highway 521 to Town of Fort Mill.

- Resurface, widen, and/or expand non-primary roads by:

Utilization of innovative paving methods, such as cement stabilization, triple treatment, and full-depth reclamation as needed. Enhancing school zone safety by improving the entrances and exists to school

facilities within Lancaster County.

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Lancaster County (Continued) - Construct new facilities or renovate and expand existing facilities as need

dictates in Lancaster County for:

Elementary and secondary educational facilities. Post-secondary workforce educational facilities. Higher education (college) facilities. Public safety facilities such as but not limited to emergency medical stations,

fire stations, and law enforcement/correctional facilities. Public service facilities such as but not limited to social service facilities,

community centers, and general governmental facilities.

- Complete airport improvements in conjunction with the FAA and develop property around the airport in conjunction with the Economic Development Corporation.

- Continue housing rehab and demotion of dilapidated housing in blighted areas of the county, such as the Kershaw Mills.

- Enhance the County road maintenance program, including upgraded entrances and exits to area school buildings.

- Widen and improve public road entrances/exits to schools in the County. - Continue development of Corporate/Business/Industrial Parks to attract new industry

and assist with expansion opportunities for current tenants, including:

Heath Springs Industrial Park, including speculative buildings suitable to meet the needs of prospective builders/businesses.

Kershaw Industrial Park, including speculative buildings suitable to meet the needs of prospective builders/businesses.

Develop property on the S.C. Highway 9 Corridor near the Lancaster County Airport to become a multi-modal (air/highway/rail) industrial park, including speculative buildings suitable to meet the needs of prospective builders/businesses.

Lancaster City

- Upgrade and extend the City of Lancaster’s water distribution and sewer collection system for improved industrial, commercial, and residential development. Study meeting this need through potential cooperative agreements with the Lancaster County Water and Sewer District.

- Continue upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant to meet its NPDES limits.

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Lancaster City (Continued)

- Upgrade municipal transportation infrastructure through:

Rebuilding of needed sidewalks and removal of unnecessary sidewalks. Planning for a systematic resurfacing of municipal roads. Enhanced signage and street lighting.

- Develop access for a second source of water from Chester County. - Encourage the revitalization of Lancaster’s retail districts to include infrastructure

enhancements and marketing recommendations of the Lancaster Charrette. - Upgrade criminal justice system programs:

Upgrade vehicular communications equipment and capability for police, fire, and emergency utility radio and data communications.

Enhance court security measures. - Continue housing improvements and neighborhood revitalization efforts including

coordinating efforts with non-profit groups such as Habitat for Humanity. Develop affordable senior citizens housing in the vicinity of Lancaster’s central business district and both affordable housing and affordable senior citizens housing city-wide.

- Study potential locations and purchase land for a new fire station to enhance

coverage for the southwestern portion of the City of Lancaster. - Develop a storm water utility that will meet needs under NPDES requirements. - Continue development of a city/county industrial park on U.S. Highway 521 and S.C. Highway 9.

- Study abandoned Brownfields to determine the feasibility of redevelopment.

- Make road and pedestrian safety improvements along Hubbard Drive and University Drive near the USC-Lancaster camps.

- Upgrade pump station at the Lancaster County airport site as part of the development

of a 1,000 acre industrial park.

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Heath Springs

- Expand the capacity of the Town's wastewater treatment plant.

- Continue extension of sewer system within Heath Springs.

- Undertake efforts to revitalize Heath Springs' Main Street area.

- Extend water and sewer service to industrial areas within and near Heath Springs, as needed.

- Improve the storm drainage system in Heath Springs.

- Market vacant industrial properties in Heath Springs. - Complete a land use planning program to guide growth.

- Develop recreational facilities in the Mineral Springs area. - Add or repair sidewalks as needed.

Kershaw

- Improve drinking water quality to meet or exceed present and future EPA and DHEC standards. - Survey wastewater collection system to determine areas in need of rehabilitation and to make upgrades.

- Replace or rehabilitate the Town’s wastewater collection system in mill village area and other areas of infiltration or inflow.

- Replace aging or defective water lines throughout the Town. - Rehabilitate the East Marion Street commercial area in the Town of Kershaw. - Revitalize the Main Street business area. - Improve fire service to lower ISO ratings. - Expand and upgrade recreational facilities in the Town. - Provide additional affordable housing.

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Kershaw - Add sidewalks in residential areas where none exist and repair existing sidewalks as needed. - Develop recycling program. - Increase fire hydrant flow and pressure to meet SC DHEC standards. - Expand the Town’s wastewater treatment plant capacity and rehabilitate/replace aging sewer lines throughout the Town. - Construct new Fire/EMS station. - Construct a spec building in Kershaw Industrial Park.

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Union County Priority Capital Improvements

Union County

- Provide site improvements to City/County industrial parks and expand the new robotics training facility to serve industry.

- Install a 200,000 gallon water tank for Santuck-Hebron water system.

- Continue to make improvements to Union County Airport.

- Construct a sewage collection and treatment system to serve the length of U.S.

Highway 176 corridor. - Make sidewalk repairs throughout the County.

- Upgrade the county ambulance service and nursing home.

- Purchase the Sam’s tract and develop a new industrial park. - Secure funding to renovate Dawkins House on USC-Union Campus.

- Continue development of the industrial parks on U.S. Highway 176.

- Attract additional specialized medical staff in Union.

- Continue improvements to campus and facilities of USC-Union.

- Expand County water systems, as needed.

- Extend sewer system between Buffalo and Union to include Lukesville. - Beautify and improve the entrance corridor into Union County on

U.S. Highway 176.

- Upgrade County roads with goal of entire asphalt road system. - Upgrade County school buildings. - Secure funding to study effects of aging population of Union.

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Union County (Continued)

- Construct a recreational lake at the confluence of Fairforest Creek and the Tyger River to promote additional recreation and housing opportunities and an alternative drinking water source.

- Make improvements to the Pinckneyville Historical site. Union City

- Upgrade water and sewer systems where appropriate.

- Make sidewalk repairs throughout the City.

- Continue Union's downtown revitalization efforts.

- Expand and upgrade City of Union's electric and natural gas distribution systems.

- Upgrade office and retail space in the Union downtown area.

- Continue improvements in the Union Mill Village, Standpine and McBeth Street Neighborhood (drainage, street work, and housing rehabilitation).

- Plan improvements for future revitalization of neighborhoods within the City of Union.

- Provide affordable housing; address sub-standard and elderly housing.

- Promote job training initiatives including the expansion of the Union QuickJobs Center.

- Improve and expand recreational and health care facilities.

- Construct an Arts and Cultural Center.

- Improve regional transportation system. Carlisle

- Upgrade the Carlisle water system.

- Expand the Carlisle ball park into a comprehensive recreational facility.

- Develop a medical practice facility in Carlisle.

- Rehabilitate housing as needed.

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Carlisle (Continued)

- Hire a policeman and sanitation worker. - Work with Cone Mills to insure waste treatment options for the Town.

Jonesville

- Provide water and wastewater improvements in Jonesville. - Undertake improvements to the sewer plant or construct a new plant.

Lockhart - Expand and improve the water, sewer, and storm drainage systems in Lockhart.

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York County Priority Capital Improvements York County - Improve and expand alternative transportation options for the public to include mass transit, pedestrian services and bicycle infrastructure.

- Continue to expand and upgrade County’s transportation system

- Extend water and sewer service within the I-77 corridor, the Fort Mill Township, and Lake Wylie, and connect existing water systems in Clover, York, Rock Hill and the County, increase storage capacity, expand the illicit discharge activities and elimination system and provide adequate water and wastewater treatment to promote reliable water sources, effective wastewater disposal and reduce pollution as the County prepares for economic and population growth.

- Expand the maintenance program of existing County roads.

- Improve accessibility for the disabled to the York County Courthouse and other

public buildings.

- Expand York County Museum, renovate the McCelvey Center, and expand and improve the facilities at Historic Brattonsville.

- Continue efforts to evaluate the space needs of the County and develop options for addressing those needs. Clover

- Construct a new Town Hall.

- Continue revitalization and appearance improvements to Clover's Main Street.

- Upgrade and expand the water and sewer system.

- Construct a new Streets and Sanitation Department Maintenance Facility.

- Construct an elevated water tank in the eastern side of Town

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Clover (Continued) - Continue developing a centralized recreational complex in Clover to include ball

fields, picnic areas, and trails along with neighborhood parks in various areas.

- Replace sidewalks in older areas of Clover. - Extend water and sewer along Ridge Road and the Bethel School Road area.

- Continue development of industrial sites and parks to include all needed utilities.

- Continue to make road improvements throughout the Town. - Continue citywide storm drain improvements. - Construct citywide hiking and biking trails to increase recreational amenities. - Construct neighborhood parks where needed.

- Construct and outfit a new fire department substation. Fort Mill

- Promote Main Street redevelopment and make improvements recommended in the Downtown Historic District.

- Acquire cemetery property.

- Develop recreational areas throughout Fort Mill.

- Upgrade and expand the road network.

- Make street repairs throughout the Town.

- Make storm drainage and sidewalk improvements where needed.

- Construct new recreation facilities.

- Construct a new water plant.

- Make beautification improvements to main entrances and roads throughout the Town.

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Fort Mill (Continued) - Continue expansion of wastewater treatment plant.

- Expand and upgrade the water distribution system. - Construct new public works offices and work area.

- Construct new fire and police substations. - Improve traffic flow in downtown. - Incorporate bike lanes into road network. - Develop safe routes to schools. - Set up a stormwater utility. - Investigate feasibility of regional water plant. Rock Hill

- Continue to recruit prospects for the Southway Industrial Park, in the southeast section of the City.

- Provide for development of existing and potential industrial sites in the City.

- Continue comprehensive sidewalk, street, curb, and gutter improvements in Rock

Hill.

- Make street/sidewalk/parking improvements in downtown Rock Hill and provide linking to historic neighborhoods.

- Complete roadway construction improvements outlined in Rock Hill-Fort Mill Area

Transportation Study (RFATS) including realignment of Paddock Parkway.

- Expand and upgrade water, sewer and electrical systems throughout areas served by the City including expanding the capacity of the water and wastewater treatment plants.

- Complete airport improvements as stated in the Airport Master Plan for Rock Hill.

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Rock Hill (Continued) - Consider opportunities to support speculative building program on industrial sites. - Increase Rock Hill’s success as a premiere sports tourism destination.

- Develop public beautification projects that enhance the City’s image.

- Continue to extend the affordable housing program and improvements to the existing housing stock, focusing on Old Town.

- Continue the implementation of the Downtown Master Plan. - Implement the redevelopment plan for the Textile Corridor.

- Link major recreation areas, open spaces and schools in the City with pedestrian

trails.

- Continue to implement a greenway system in the City as reflected in the Master Plan.

- Support and promote Riverwalk as a mixed use community, including industrial,

commercial, residential, sports tourism, and community recreation uses. - Complete improvements to the Dave Lyle Boulevard – I-77 interchange and adjacent

commercial areas to improve appearance, increase traffic capacity, provide for pedestrian safety, and support new development.

- Continue support for small business development in downtown, including business

incubators.

- Seek support and funding for construction of an extension of Dave Lyle Boulevard to connect with U.S. 521 in Lancaster County.

- Develop plans and seek funding for infrastructure improvements to serve

development on the east side of I-77, including improvements to Celriver and Eden Terrace.

- Plan and construct adequate facilities to provide water and sewer to eastern York County.

- Implement recommendations from the comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan.

- Complete improvements to the parks and recreation system as identified by the

Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Master Plan.

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Rock Hill (Continued)

- Continue to implement Glencairn Gardens Master Plan. - Implement I-77 Corridor Traffic Study recommendations

- Implement Vision 2020 Comprehensive Plan recommendations.

- Continue to expand City’s WiFi infrastructure to meet service demands. - Support public transportation in the City, County and region, including streetcar, fixed route, and commuter bus services. - Continue to implement recommendations of the Saluda Street Master Plan.

- Develop and implement strategies for attracting jobs, businesses, investment and residents to the Old Town area of Rock Hill.

- Promote redevelopment of the Hagins-Fewell and Arcade neighborhoods. - Complete public improvements (utilities, streets and intersections, landscaping, etc.) serving the Red River Redevelopment Area. - Replace obsolete utility systems and upgrade other infrastructure serving older neighborhoods of the City. - Implement recommendations from the College Town Action Plan linking downtown to Winthrop University and surrounding neighborhoods. - Prepare a 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan. - Extend water lines along Highway 901 to the Chester County line. - Construct new City’s Operations Center and warehouse area on Anderson Road. - Construction adequate facilities to provide water and sewer to eastern York County. - Develop an update of the comprehensive storm water master plan for the urban area.

Tega Cay

- Participate in the effort to develop a regional water and wastewater treatment plant to accommodate area growth and economic development opportunities.

- Implement the Capital Improvement Program as approved by Council.

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Tega Cay (Continued) - Continue to work with major developers to achieve build out of planned

developments.

Complete build out of Stonecrest PDD, Lake Ridge, Serenity Pointe, and Lakeshore Beach Club Town Home

- Provide improvements to existing public facilities that are necessary to achieve or

maintain existing levels of service. - Continue development and expansion of a professional fire Department within the

City’s Operating Budget.

- Provide new and expanded facilities that reduce or eliminate existing deficiencies in levels of service:

Continue work to complete Catawba Park.

Construct/Develop/Acquire a Municipal Complex where all City services can be housed in one location.

Construct/Develop a second Public Safety facility for Fire and EMS. Construct/Develop secondary Public Works/Operations facility to serve

Stonecrest, Lake Ridge and Serenity Point areas. Complete trail projects that will connect existing trail systems with trail systems

in planned developments and tie them into the Carolina Thread Trail.

- Complete Hubert Graham Parkway in conjunction with the Pennies for Progress Program in order to provide alternative routes to the commercial areas of the City and reduce congestion on Hwy. 160.

- Work towards creating/converting City Facilities using LEED standards for energy efficiency and new technologies for reusable energy sources. - Continue to work with surrounding municipalities and the County for mass transit opportunities.

- Provide incentives to encourage mixed use developments in appropriate areas to include opportunities for commercial retail, class A office space, and a diversity of housing options. - Identify areas adjacent to Tega Cay for possible annexation where doing so falls in line with the Comprehensive Plan. - Work to develop a growth management strategy including annexation boundaries that protect our quality of life and implement the strategies contained in the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

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Tega Cay (Continued) - Continue to work with regional partners to develop a joint Regional Land Use Plan for targeted study areas. - Seek to create forums and venues whereby area planning officials and elected officials can interface and discuss items of collective benefit. York City

- Improve and revitalize the downtown area per Master Plan through rehabilitation of historic structures, lighting, parking, street, and sidewalk improvements.

- Continue expansion to the joint recycling program between Clover and York.

- Continue to expand and upgrade infrastructure to effectively serve the areas outlined in

water and wastewater agreements with York County as well as annexed areas. - Prepare a prioritized plan for improving sidewalks, storm drainage, and unpaved roads.

- Update and continue implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. - Participate actively in improving health care services in western York County.

- Implement the improvements to Fire Suppression Services per the Classification

Details Statement provided by the Insurance Services Organization, Inc.

- Continue to upgrade water and sewer lines as needed throughout the City.

- Create a series of bicycle/recreation trails to connect key points of interest throughout the City, including the downtown, McCelvey Center, parks, schools, and the historic district.

- Continue to expand the recreational programs offered at York Recreation Department.

- Develop programs to address the problems of illicit drugs within the City.

- Develop programs to create better/closer relations between the citizens and the

Police Department. - Determine a long-term water source for the City and western York County.

- Enhance the major entrances or gateways into the City of York with landscaping,

signage, etc.

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York City (Continued) - Implement requirements of the gateway corridor overlay district establishing design

standards for signage, landscaping, curb cuts, building facades, etc.

- Continually revise the zoning ordinance to meet the evolving needs of the City. - Develop incentive programs for the redevelopment of downtown.

- Develop and implement a housing plan to improve the quality of housing and to raise the rate of home ownership in the City.

- Pursue the addition of public tennis courts per Recreation Master Plan. - Acquire land for additional recreation fields per the Capital Improvement Plan and the Comprehensive Plan. - Continue to upgrade the wastewater treatment facility. - Renovate City Hall to create more office space.

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