Lehigh Hanson, Inc., is announcing that its Hanson Aggregates subsidiary in Columbia is committed to donating up to $500,000 to Columbia International University (CIU) in support of the university’s revitalization efforts along Monticello Road, the corridor to the CIU campus. The company, which has operations near Monticello Road, presented an initial donation of $100,000 to the university on Aug. 20, 2019.

CIU has purchased seven properties transforming the formerly blighted area into a commercially-viable district. A Dairy Queen/convenience store combo will be situated on three lots at the corner of Monticello Road and Peeples Street just off Interstate 20. A new sheriff’s department substation will be located on another nearby lot. CIU cleared the properties of vacant buildings and a barroom earlier this year.

“We are pleased to support CIU’s efforts to revitalize Monticello Road and provide economic enhancements to the area,” said Scott Dickson, Vice President & General Manager for Hanson Aggregates Southeast LLC. “Hanson Aggregates is committed to making positive contributions to the communities where we do business and we look forward to working with CIU to develop the Monticello Road area and improve the quality of life for the students and local residents.”

CIU President Dr. Mark Smith says it is critical to have partnerships with companies such as Lehigh Hanson who want to see crime reduced, economic development in the area improved, and jobs created. 

“Those are things that universities care about and we want to partner with them,” Smith said. “As more partners come together you’re going to see this community change for the better.”