Winding Woods Commerce Park Breaks Ground

By Eliza Theiss, Associate Editor

Dorchester County officials recently broke ground on the 610-acre Winding Woods Commerce Park, a project that’s been in the works for over five years. Located at the corner of U.S. Highway 78 and Winding Woods Road in St. George, the project has been a long time in the making.

According to a Dorchester County Economic Development press release, plans for the project were first initiated in 2007 in an effort to support job creation in the area. Two years later, Winding Woods Commerce Park was announced as the Tri-County area’s first certified industrial site with easy access to interstate infrastructure and port facilities. Given its expansive size, Winding Woods mainly targets industries and future investors in search of large sites. Subdivided lots can span 20 to 50 acres in size.

“This celebration marks a big step forward for Dorchester County,” said Larry Hargett Dorchester, County Council chairman. “Winding Woods Commerce Park is a culmination of hard work and strategic planning that will bring future jobs to the St. George area.  The best way to grow our economy and support job creation is to invest in the things businesses need to be successful, and having a strong infrastructure is one of them.”

The cost for work underway at the site is around $3.6 million and covers the installation of sewer and water lines stretching 2.6 miles along Highway 78, making the industrial park shovel ready for potential investors.

Funding for the development has been secured from several sources, including $1 million from the Upper Dorchester County Economic Development Fund. Santee Cooper, South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility company and South Carolina’s largest power producer, has also provided funding for the project. Santee Cooper’s support for the county infrastructure project is a $2.1 million loan, as well as water and sewer impact fees.

Tideland Utilities is in charge of construction at Winding Woods. The project has an estimated completion date of March 2013.

Photo courtesy of Dorchester County

Chart courtesy of Colliers International