South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster wants the Aiken County Council to delay consideration of the House of Raeford ordinance so that the county and the company can work toward a "mutually agreeable solution."
McMaster sent a letter to Aiken County Council Chairman Gary Bunker ahead of the council's meeting Tuesday evening in which it is to consider second reading of an ordinance approving a fee-in-lieu of tax agreement with the company.
In exchange for the fee-in-lieu of taxes agreement, House of Raeford would invest $185 million and create 900 new jobs with a starting pay of $18 per hour.
"As you know, this important project will create 900 jobs in Aiken County with a $200 million capital investment," McMaster said in the letter. "It will have an estimated $1.6 billion economic impact to the region over five years and will produce 493 million pounds of poultry per year for the domestic food supply chain."
McMaster adds he's committed to assist in identifying state funding to address concerns over water and sewer capacity and allow the county to accommodate the plant and future growth.
"I welcome the opportunity to meet with you and Aiken County Council on this matter, and I ask that you consider deferring a vote on the ... agreement to provide some time to work towards a mutually agreeable solution," McMaster continues.
