Georgetown County Council discusses feasibility of Plantersville Scenic Byway project

GEORGETOWN — A project to bring a pedestrian and bicycle trail to the Plantersville area received Georgetown County Council’s attention on Aug. 23 after months of planning, but considerable work remains ahead.

The $49 million Plantersville Scenic Byway/Choppee Black River Trail project, as described by Britt Storck of Alta Planning + Design’s Atlanta office, would run the trail for 23 miles, mostly along Choppee and Plantersville roads, with plans for trailheads and bridge improvements along the way.

The Plantersville Scenic Byway as currently mapped on The Village Group’s website extends 12 miles, from Mount Carmel United Missionary Baptist Church in the northeast to the Plantersville Cultural Center in the southwest.

Georgetown County Public Services Director Ray Funnye said he believes the project would open the western portion of the county to “ecotourism, economic vitality and enhanced community and cultural engagement.”

Funding of the project will likely be the greatest obstacle, but Storck said she believes the county to be well-positioned to receive grants.

“There’s going to be some more coordination as you get into design, with utilities, property owners, businesses that need to be visited throughout,” Storck said. “And while we have set up the county with what we think is a very comprehensive, strong plan, prioritization and phasing need to be revisited regularly as things change.”

Storck noted that projects like the one she presented can sometimes take decades. But she also said that the impact of similar trail projects goes beyond what meets the eye.

“It’s not just tourism dollars and tax revenue,” Storck said. “It’s also health benefits, reduced health costs, that sort of thing.”

Councilman Bob Anderson said he would like to see potential maintenance costs for the trail before the project is set in stone, noting that long-term maintenance will likely fall to the county.

“I think that’s going to be something I definitely want to know about,” Anderson said.

Councilmen Steve Goggans and Everett Carolina showed concern for projects in their own districts. Goggans said a number of path projects in his Waccamaw Neck district have gone unfunded and that other areas of the county should prioritized as well — particularly those that will provide a return on investment.

Carolina asked if studies similar to that compiled for the Choppee Black River Trail project have been undertaken or considered for other sections of the county.

“It’s almost a parallel situation,” Carolina said of the potential for similar development in his district, which covers much of southern Georgetown County.

The council did not take any action on the trail project at the workshop.