The Marion Chamber of Commerce, Greater Mullins Chamber of Commerce and Marion County Progress held the annual Marion County Economic Luncheon on Monday.
The meeting discussed the potential impact of the proposed Interstate 73 on Marion County. Marion County Economic Development Director Rodney Berry said the interstate could potentially be a game-changer in the county.
“If ever there was a game-changer that could change the landscape and beyond it’s I-73,” he said during the meeting. “We are a prayerful county and we have got to realize when God is answering our prayers and I’m telling you I-73 is just that.”
Marion County continues to lead the state in unemployment at 18.7 percent and the May 11 announcement of Inteva Products closing its plant in Mullins at the end of this year will only add to that total.
In a Chmura Economics & Analytics study provided at the luncheon, I-73 could create at least four motels, five gas stations, three fast food restaurants, and two sit-down restaurants in the county covering a 20 mile stretch.
Berry said the I-73 impact study mentioned the county’s project development a South Atlantic International Logistic Center (SAILC) in Sellers, which was formerly known as the inland port project.
“Three thousand acres with two and half miles of rail frontage,” Berry said. “That’s getting a lot of momentum and we a master plan at this point.”
The site is located just 11 miles from I-95. Berry said I-73 will help expedite that project. SAILC will contain 15 million square feet of industrial, commercial, and manufacturing space that will directly create 15, 000 jobs in northeast South Carolina.
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