Incentive to lure new economic development

Project Rise” is a code-named Oconee County economic development prospect which, if realized, would locate within Seneca’s utility service area.  Last night the mayor and council approved a deal with the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative for a utility tax credit for the project.  Because Project Rise is being recruited by the county, city administrator Scott Moulder said he won’t identify the prospect and will defer to county.  But he explained that the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, through its power arrangement with the state Public Service Authority, can leverage funds to finance the extension of a sewer line for the project.  In this instance, according to Moulder, the city acts as a “pass thru” for Blue Ridge.