The Business Narrative: Crafting an Updated State Water Plan

Sep 25, 2024 09:32AM ● By Donna Walker

Gov. McMaster Issues Executive Order to Create WaterSC Working Group

Gov. Henry McMaster on Sept. 24, 2024, issued Executive Order 2024-22, establishing the WaterSC Water Resources Working Group.

WaterSC will work across state agencies and with key stakeholders to develop a state water plan that balances South Carolina's economic and environmental interests to ensure the long-term protection of the state’s water resources as demand increases from record-breaking economic development and population growth.

“South Carolina has been richly blessed with abundant water resources, but with increased demand driven by historic economic development and a booming population, we must take action now to ensure these resources are managed in the best interests of all South Carolinians,” McMaster said.

He added, “The formation of WaterSC will unite South Carolina’s top minds and key stakeholders to craft a plan that balances our economic and environmental interests, which will ensure that our water resources are plentiful and that our economy remains strong for generations to come."

WaterSC will first create a Stakeholder Engagement Plan by Oct. 31, 2024, to ensure that relevant stakeholders have a voice in shaping the state’s water policy.

WaterSC is then tasked with providing a report to the General Assembly’s Surface Water Study Committee by Jan. 31, 2025, informing the committee of the current state of surface water in South Carolina and recommending changes to current laws to ensure sustainable surface water withdrawal practices.

This collaborative working group will be led by a new gubernatorial cabinet agency, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), which by statute on July 1, 2024, assumed many of the Department of Natural Resources responsibilities regarding water policy, including the completion of an updated state water plan.

The governor’s order directs WaterSC to assist and advise SCDES in developing a comprehensive water resources policy so that the agency may issue an updated State Water Plan on or before December 31, 2025.

SCDES Interim Director Myra Reece will lead WaterSC. The working group will be composed of ex officio participants from across the following state agencies:

Director of the Office of Resilience, or designee;

Commissioner of Agriculture, or designee;

Director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, or designee;

Director of the Department of Natural Resources, or designee;

Secretary of Commerce, or designee.

In addition, DES will select up to 25 additional participants representing sectors such as academia, public water suppliers, conservation, agriculture, forestry, energy, tourism, and historic preservation.

The group will also enlist assistance from experts in engineering, hydrology, environmental protection, or other related fields to provide technical guidance.

"Sustainable management and use of our state’s water resources is beyond the scope of any one agency or organization, rather it is a shared role and responsibility among leaders, partners and experts across our state," Reece said.

Reece added, "As the state’s new environmental agency, we at the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services are honored and excited to lead this collaborative effort to preserve, sustain, and manage our state's water resources for present and future use."

2022 and 2023 were the best years for economic development in state history.

Since McMaster took office in 2017, South Carolina has announced over 811 economic development projects, totaling more than $40 billion in new investment and over 90,800 new jobs.

And according to the U.S. Census Bureau, South Carolina leads the nation in population growth rate.

Smartpress Selects Spartanburg County For First South Carolina Operation

Smartpress, a commercial online printing company, selected Spartanburg County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation.

The $9.6 million investment will create 150 jobs, according to Gov. Henry McMaster’s office.

Headquartered in Minnesota, Smartpress is one of the fastest-growing printers in North America for businesses and creative professionals.

The company operates out of offices and production facilities in seven locations across the U.S. and ships hundreds of orders every day.

Officials said Smartpress will lease the 94,000-square-foot print production facility at 1061 Duncan Reidville Road in Duncan, allowing the company to better serve East Coast customers.

Operations are expected to be online in November 2024. Those interested in joining Smartpress should go to the company’s careers page.

The state’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project.

Manufacturing Activity Remained Sluggish in September

Manufacturing activity remained sluggish in September in the Fifth District, which includes South Carolina, according to the most recent survey from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

The composite manufacturing index edged down and of its three component indexes, shipments decreased, new orders increased, and employment fell.

The local business conditions index increased modestly but remained solidly in negative territory, while the index for future local business conditions rose.

The future indexes for shipments and new orders both decreased but remained in positive territory, suggesting that firms continued to expect improvements in these areas over the next six months.

The vendor lead time index remained the same and, on balance, firms continued to report declining backlogs in September as that index remained negative.

The average growth rate of prices paid increased in September, while the average growth rate of prices received decreased somewhat.

Firms expected little change in price growth over the next 12 months.

College Football Tailgating Voted South Carolinians' Favorite Remedy for 'September Slump'

September often brings a mix of emotions - nostalgia for the warmth and freedom of summer, coupled with the stress of returning to daily responsibilities.

However, across the U.S., September is also a time when communities come together to lift spirits and celebrate the arrival of fall.

From vibrant state fairs to harvest festivals, these events offer the perfect remedy for post-summer blues.

A recent survey by Mission Connection involving 3,000 respondents, sought to uncover the September events that South Carolinians most look forward to as a way to lift their spirits.

The top three events that emerged are:

#1 College Football Tailgating
For South Carolina sports fans, September marks the return of college football and the much-anticipated tailgating season. Tailgating is more than just a pre-game activity - it's a social event where friends, family, and fans come together to celebrate their teams.

The camaraderie, shared excitement, and festive atmosphere of tailgating can significantly lift spirits, creating a sense of belonging and community.

#2 End-of-Summer Road Trip
As the final days of warm weather approach, many South Carolinians seize the opportunity to embark on an end-of-summer road trip. These trips offer a last chance to soak up the sunshine, explore new places, and create lasting memories before the cooler weather sets in.

Whether it's a scenic drive along the coast, a visit to a national park, or simply a journey to a favorite getaway spot, these road trips provide a sense of adventure and freedom that can help alleviate the stress of transitioning back to routine.

#3 Viewing Fall Foliage
As the leaves begin to change color, fall foliage viewing becomes a popular activity for South Carolinians to connect with nature and embrace the beauty of the season.

Whether it's a drive through the countryside, or simply a walk through a local park, the vibrant colors of autumn can be a powerful stress reliever. Fall foliage generally arrives a little later than most of the country, but there are parts of the state when leaf colors change early.

The peacefulness of nature, combined with the awe-inspiring sights of fall, offers a perfect opportunity for reflection and relaxation.

For many, the simple act of observing the changing landscape is a deeply soothing experience that helps to ease the transition from summer to fall.

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