Regional Delegation Seeks Funding
June 15, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – June 15, 2009 – An intergovernmental delegation from the Midlands traveled to Washington, D.C., on Thursday as part of a collaborative initiative to request funding for regional transportation infrastructure projects. It was the first time local entities have partnered on such an effort.
Representatives from Lexington and Richland counties, the City of Columbia, the business community and the University of South Carolina met with the offices of Rep. Joe Wilson, Rep. James Clyburn, Rep. Henry Brown, Sen. Jim DeMint, Sen. Lindsey Graham and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The group was seeking some $263 million in federal funding for eight regional transportation infrastructure projects. The largest sum sought was $100 million for Phase II of the John Hardee Expressway at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The project is seen as essential to retention of the UPS facility at the airport and 1,000 jobs.
Members of the delegation returned pleased with the results. Columbia Mayor Bob Coble believes the joint effort increases the chances of receiving funds. “We have learned from the past that funding opportunities are much better when we are unified in our request.”
Lexington County Councilman Bill Banning reiterated Coble’s remarks, saying it’s important that lawmakers see an overall coordination of projects in a region. “They’re able to see how all the pieces fit together,” Banning said. “We are able to show them with one voice how each project will provide an economic development opportunity for the entire Midlands area.”
Richland County Councilman Greg Pearce believes the trip was a success and should be the first of more endeavors. “We’ve agreed this effort should be a model for future initiatives,” he said.
The business community was represented by Cathy Novinger, current chair of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Steve Benjamin, chamber executive committee member. Benjamin said the Chamber helped lead the effort to bring the groups together and make this trip a reality. “The Chamber saw the strength in a united front that would present the best case for the Midlands area,” he said. “I think we accomplished that in DC.”
John Parks, associate vice president for economic development for the University of South Carolina, represented the university on the trip.
For more information, contact: Cathy Novinger, 803-926-3462
