A huge state budget earmark could change a downtown Fort Mill landmark. Here’s how
The biggest ticket item on a long list of state budget requests would add a new piece to the downtown redevelopment puzzle in Fort Mill.
S.C. Rep. Raye Felder requested $25 million for economic development in Fort Mill’s down town. That ask is one of about 350 requests state House members put on the amended list of earmarks in its version of the state budget. The money could help Fort Mill move public works operations out of a prime property downtown.
”We’re using a building that was built in 1938 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places to store trash cans in,” Felder said. “That is just not the best use for that building.”
The National Guard Armory at Unity and Elliott streets was one of more than 30 armories statewide built with Works Progress Administration funds in the late 1930s. It hosted a National Guard unit prior to World War II and was a public event space. It also served as a school gymnasium prior to its historic places designation in 1992.
York County property records show the town acquired the 131 E. Elliott St. site, directly across from Unity Presbyterian Church cemetery, from the Fort Mill School District in 2011. The state owns a separate, 10-acre property for its armory on Munn Road.
Felder understands why the decision was made to use the prior armory building for public works space.
“Fort Mill grew so fast, they had to do something,” Felder said.
If approved, the $25 million would allow the town to build a designated public works facility on property outside the downtown corridor. That move would provide opportunity at the armory site. Felder said something like a performing arts center might be a great addition to the town. But the move and money are key to figuring out what use fits best.
“Then I think we could get the right people in to look at it to tell us what we can do, what we can’t do,” Felder said.
The request is at least $5 million more than any other listed. Yet other legislators might have half a dozen or more smaller requests, while Felder has only the one. Felder said Fort Mill hasn’t gotten earmarked money in the past and she believes there’s a strong case for the funds.
“We’re at a critical need here,” Felder said.
More local earmark projects
Several more earmark projects would impact York, Lancaster and Chester counties if approved.
Reps. John Richard King and Tommy Pope put almost $4.8 million in downtown development and upgrades on the list for the City of York. Reps. King and Brandon Guffey requested $1 million for York County park upgrades. Reps. King, Pope and Dennis Moss asked for $750,000 for a York School District 4H partnership on an agricultural arena.
York School District idea for agricultural arena would offer countywide benefits
Also in York County, four requests came in at $500,000 each. Collectively, Repsentatives Moss, Pope, King and Heath Sessions asked for money to fund the BMX World Championships in Rock Hill, Pathways Community Center in Rock Hill, the Clover Fire Department and town upgrades in the Town of Sharon.
Representatives Guffey and David O’Neal requested $160,000 for the Tega Cay Police Department. Rep. Randy Ligon asked for $100,000 to the Lesslie Fire Department. Rep. Moss requested $40,000 for the Smyrna Volunteer Fire Department and $30,000 for the Sharon Volunteer Fire Department.
In Lancaster County, Rep. Brandon Newton requested $1 million for the Lindsay Pettus Greenway and $500,000 for the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. Rep. Mike Neese put in for $750,000 for Indian Land Green, $500,000 for American Legion Post 250 in Indian Land and $225,000 for Beeyond Borders.
Chester County added three requests. Rep. Randy Ligon asked for $600,000 for the Chester County Sheriff’s Office and $450,000 for lighting safety upgrades in the county. Rep. King requested $500,000 for an aquatic and fitness center in Chester.
The S.C. Legislature is currently still in budget negotiations.
