LEDGER COLUMNIST
What you can do to help attract new development

CODY SOSSAMON PUBLISHER

Everyone, it seems, has an idea on how best to attract new industries.

They're all good ideas, but like most good ideas, there is a huge financial investment.

A lot of folks want to build an airport.

Good idea.

Just recently, we've seen an example in which Cherokee County wasn't even considered by an expanding industry because we don't have an airport.

The numbers aren't in on just how much such a facility would cost the taxpayers of this county, but even if the lion's share is borne by the state and feds, somebody's got to pay.

Just for the record, I fully support continuing with the process to determine if we can afford it.

A lot of folks think an enhanced downtown Gaffney business district is the answer to successful industrial recruitment.

Good idea.

That, too, would improve our chances of landing industrial prospects, but it will take a lot of money - some pubic and some private. As reported in our recent special section, "On the road to prosperity," those who select sites for industries looking for new locations want to see the downtown area. The downtowns of Gaffney and Blacksburg have a lot of potential, but at the same time leave a lot to be desired. Those shortcomings can be remedied with an influx of dollars and a lot of effort by the public and private sectors.

A lot of folks say a strong school system is the key to attracting new industries.

Truer words were never spoken.

Not only do those moving here want good schools for their children to attend, they want well-educated employees.

Wanting a great school system is one thing. Having one is quite another. I'm not saying our schools are bad, but they certainly are not great. We don't even rank near the top in this state, which as a whole, ranks near the bottom in the U.S.

More money is not necessarily the answer to improving our school system. Of course it wouldn't hurt to be able to afford the latest equipment and attract the best and brightest teachers with higher salaries.

Better highways are the solution, others insist.

Absolutely.

A good highway system is a must to attracting industry, but here in Cherokee County we are blessed to have Interstate 85 bisecting our borders. But, as recent transportation studies have shown, our section of 85 is quickly becoming congested and needs widening. That will cost a LOT of money - money the state and feds don't have right now. Still, all in all, we're OK for the time being.

Expanded water and sewer service is the key, still others maintain.

Right they are!

No industry will locate in an area that doesn't have access to both, especially a good, reliable water source.

Here again, though, we're talking about big bucks, really big bucks to run sewer lines and build wastewater treatment plants. With the droughts of recent times, water is becoming a more precious and expensive resource. We're doing pretty good in this area, too, but expansion is needed to reach prime sites along the interstate.

Reliable electric and natural gas service is a necessity for relocating industries.

Again, we seem to be in a good position along those lines, especially with Duke planning its new nuclear plant here, but talk about lots of dough! Natural gas line extensions are also a costly undertaking.

All of the above are considered by those looking to build new facilities. No single one by itself is enough to seal a deal. Rather, put them all together and our county can be almost irresistible.

Cooperation and hard work from a myriad of entities has to occur to accomplish this.

There is one thing we can do as individuals, though, that can help as much as any of the above. And it won't cost a dime.

We can take pride in our community by cleaning up our act.

I'm talking about the litter lining our highways and side streets.

Some concerned folks already do more than their part. Carlton Bridges, for one, has worked for years to clean up this county.

Just the other day, I saw two Cherokee County natives who recently moved back here, out on the roadside near their home on Cherokee National Highway picking up trash. Keaton and Debbie Clary cleaned up a section of that road that was a mess.

Many's the time I drove along that section and thought how unattractive it was. "I ought to clean it up," I thought to myself.

I never did.

The Clarys did and they've made my drive to and from work much more pleasurable.

The sad thing is that a few days after they had it spotless, I saw Debbie picking up more cups and bags and litter that had been thrown from passing cars and trucks.

What's the matter with you people? Stop trashing our county.

Clean streets and a pristine countryside are very attractive to industrial prospects.

They're nice for those of us who see them every day, too.

Cody Sossamon (cody@gaffneyledger.com) is publisher of The Gaffney Ledger.