South Carolina leaders talk to business owners about state’s economic future

INDIAN LAND, S.C. — South Carolina leaders are helping counties fight growing pains, but one major hurdle is infrastructure.

With a new hospital and dozens of homes on the way, some people think Highway 321 in Indian Land needs to be improved, but taxpayers don’t want to foot the bill.

Voters have said no to tax increases that would help widen the road and without a plan, many are concerned traffic congestion will only continue to increase.

“Like if you’re not out the house by six a.m. then you’re stuck in traffic and then you’re late for work,” said Sherita Pryer. She was talking about the commute down Charlotte highway between Lancaster and Charlotte.

It’s a problem some people say will only get worse considering thousands of approved homes, apartments and businesses across the county.

“We need to have a larger conversation about it,” Pryer said.

Part of that conversation happened Tuesday. Leaders with South Carolina Manufactures and Commerce talked to business leaders in Lancaster and Chester counties about their roadmap for South Carolina’s economic future.

The plan they’re calling an Economic Blue Print includes recommendations like a statewide plan to accelerate infrastructure.

“What can the state do to continue to prioritize road and bridge funding, continue to prioritize water and sewer funding?” said Vice President of Government Affairs, Will Frierson. “We’ve made a lot of one-time investments, but it’s going to have to be, you know, what are we doing long term? What are recurring funds?”

They’re touring the state, asking business owners for a list of legislative priorities.

“And then start advocating our elected officials and telling them, ‘Hey, this is what business community prioritizes. This is why we think you should make this your priority in 2027,’” said Frierson.

When Channel 9 asked about any plans to widen Charlotte highway, Lancaster County pointed us to SCDOT.

In an email, DOT pointed us back to Lancaster County saying, “there is no current SCDOT project.”

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