Soccer complex project might have hit snag

The Gaffney Board of Public Works has considered donating a portion of its Lake Whelchel property to the county for a planned soccer complex.

But the state statute that created the Board and outlined its powers might stop it from happening.

State statute No. 389 apparently prevents the utility from giving away ratepayers' assets.

Donnie Hardin, general manager of the Gaffney Board of Public Works, said no decision has been made regarding how the utility will convey the property to the county.

"We have made a commitment to do it," Hardin said. "It will be a commissioners' decision whether to sign a long-term lease at a minimal amount of money or transfer the property."

The utility will consult with its finance company before making a decision, Hardin said.

Several years ago, the Board purchased 150 acres adjacent to Lake Whelchel, known as the Clary estate. Hardin said the additional acreage was needed if the utility decided to raise the lake level.

The land deal also prevented a housing development from popping up near the lake.

Despite the uncertainty on how to transfer the property, the soccer complex project is moving forward.

Cherokee County Recreation Department Director Lowry Love said last week the Matrix Engineering firm of Spartanburg is putting the final touches on a grading, erosion and stormwater plan for the soccer site which will be submitted for approval by the state Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

Once DHEC approves the plan, Love said he can determine a cost estimate to grade three regulation-size soccer fields. Love said lighting and irrigation costs have been determined.

If the funding comes together, Love said construction could begin on the soccer complex this spring.