H
arry Lightsey, head of the S.C. Department of Commerce, is asking state lawmakers for a one-time payment of $150 million to prepare industrial sites for new businesses. He warns that South Carolina risks falling behind other states investing heavily in infrastructure like water and sewer lines, roads, and electricity.

    Lightsey told lawmakers that having this infrastructure in place gives rival states a recruiting advantage. "In order for us to be competitive, we need to continue to invest in our inventory of sites so that we can continue to offer opportunities for companies that are looking to locate here," he said. The state's 46 counties have submitted wish lists, and Lightsey noted that the demand is overwhelming, with over $2.6 billion worth of site enhancements proposed.

    In addition to the one-time payment, Lightsey is asking lawmakers to increase the annual funding for his office from $10.5 million to $15 million. If approved, the agency will prioritize projects statewide in partnership with local governments to maximize the state's competitiveness.

    Other states are already investing heavily in "mega-sites" where industries can quickly set up shop. For example, Virginia is spending $90 million on its Business Ready Sites Program, and Kentucky has committed $200 million over two years for a similar initiative. Lightsey emphasized that speed to market is crucial for businesses making large capital investments.

    Rep. David Weeks, a Sumter Democrat, expressed enthusiasm for the request, saying he's "happy that you stepped up and tried to ask for it, and ask big." The Commerce Department lists 33 industrial sites with at least 500 acres available for development on its LocateSC website, including the 1,481-acre Colleton Mega Site in Walterboro.

    Lightsey said more large-scale tracts need to be ready and available when industries come calling. "In economic development, sites are referred to as product, and unless a business has product, they don't have much of a business," he said.