WCBD Count On 2 News: Residents In The City Of Georgetown Form A Collation Against A Potential Biomass Plant

https://www.counton2.com/news/residents-in-the-city-of-georgetown-form-a-collation-against-a-potential-biomass-plant/ GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WCBD)–Residents in the city of Georgetown are weighing in on what they’d like to see at the site of the former paper mill. On Tuesday, members of Citizens for Georgetown surveyed residents weighing on whether they think a biomass plant would benefit the community. 

“We conducted a poll this week, and many of the people in that poll said three things: we don’t want a biomass plant, we don’t support elected officials who support a biomass plant, and we support a vision for Georgetown that does not include heavy industrial on the waterfront,” said Tom Swatzel, the board chairman of Citizens for Georgetown.

78% of the respondents preferred the facility to be transitioned into a mixed-use, clean development with higher-paying jobs, and 70% of the voters said officials should prioritize attracting clean industries even if it means moving beyond traditional industrial plants. News 2 spoke to one county official who told us that no official plans were in place and that whatever ended up at the site would benefit the community. 

“Georgetown is set to explode right now. I mean, we’ve got two mills that are gone. They took away a lot of jobs. We all recognize that, but there are other areas in the county where we’re trying to come and replace those jobs, so we’re looking at Georgetown now as a remodel. We’re hoping the remodel will bring in some good things for Georgetown,” said Clint Elliot, Chairman of Georgetown County Council.

Officials from Georgetown County told us owners are still in the bidding process, but they plan to release more details in the coming weeks.

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