Utility makes 4 property transactions in southeastern South Carolina

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As part of Santee Cooper’s commitment to support community needs across South Carolina, the utility approved four property transactions at its board meeting earlier today with specific public benefits, including one in the Midlands and another in the Lowcountry.

Santee Cooper approved two transactions in Horry County: dedicating the former Grainger Generating Station site to the City of Conway to support downtown redevelopment, and providing a gratis lease to the Grand Strand Humane Society to enable expansion of that important organization, the release stated.

Santee Cooper also renewed gratis leases for the Berkeley County Emergency Management Services Training Center in Moncks Corner and for Taw Caw Park in Clarendon County, the release stated. All of these transactions except for the Taw Caw lease require approval by the state Joint Bond Review Committee.

Financial terms of the transactions were not released.

Additional details, according to the release:

• In Moncks Corner, Santee Cooper would renew a lease of about 18 acres that serves the public by providing space to train the emergency personnel of Berkeley County and surrounding areas.
• The Taw Caw lease provides space for a county park, and so supports the public recreation requirement of the FERC license governing the Santee Cooper Project, which includes Lakes Marion and Moultrie. Clarendon County maintains a boat ramp, fishing piers, picnic shelters, playground, nature trails, restrooms, and parking areas at the park.
• The Conway transaction involves approximately 800 acres that once held the former Grainger plant site and its industrial cooling pond known as Lake Busbee. The transfer would support Conway’s desire to expand recreational space, provide sustainable reuse of the property and enhance economic development.
• The 40-year gratis lease to the Grand Strand Humane Society involves a tract along Waterside Drive in Myrtle Beach. The lease would begin in 2026 and allow the Humane Society to expand its operations to meet a growing community need.

“These transactions offer significant community benefits, and Santee Cooper is pleased to be able to support the projects they represent,” said Santee Cooper President and CEO Jimmy Staton in the release. “The new projects proposed for Conway and the Grand Strand Humane Society will improve the quality of life in these communities, which fits squarely with our mission be the state’s leading resource for improving the lives of all South Carolinians.”

Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s largest power provider, sourcing electricity for 2 million people across the state, according to the release.