OCONEE, PICKENS AND ANDERSON COUNTIES PARTNER TO WORK TOGETHER TO ADVANCE PROGRESS IN TRI-COUNTY REGION

ANDERSON COUNTY –- On Friday, June 19^th, leaders from the Tri-County area met to discuss the effects of the economic downturn on our region and to forge a partnership focused on mutually beneficial collaboration and joint economic development. Council Chairmen from Oconee, Pickens and Anderson Counties met with Tri-County Technical College President Ronnie Booth and Tri-County Vice President for Economic Development John Lummus with the mission to form a cohesive vision for the economic advancement of the Tri-County region and to work toward resolution of issues dealing with the Tri-county Landfill.

Pickens, Oconee and Anderson counties jointly own the 513-acre property on U.S. 123 east of the city of Clemson. In the 1990’s, a regional landfill was proposed for the property.

“This is a step toward regional cooperation which can benefit all of the tri-county citizens,” said Oconee County Council Chairman Reginald Dexter. “Our joint efforts will help each of our respective counties provide services more efficiently and economically to residents in the tri-county region.”

“This was a very enjoyable experience,” said Pickens County Council Chairman G. Neil Smith. “I applaud Mr. Moore’s initiative in convening the meeting and his logical approach to the issues. I also want to thank Tri-County Technical College for providing the place for us to sit down over lunch and discuss options to complete the joint Landfill Project, as well as plans for the Northern Anderson/southern Oconee Park. This was a strong testament to our three counties’ commitment to collaborate and work together to assure the economic viability of the tri-county region.”

“The economic downturn makes it imperative that we reach out to those around us to consolidate, share resources and ideas, and in the process, save taxpayer dollars,” said Anderson County Council Chairman Eddie Moore. “Bringing all three counties to the table is an opportunity for us to put our heads together and seek economic benefit for not only each individual county, but also for the mutual benefit of our tri-county region.”