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KENANSVILLE — Economic Development Director Scotty Summerlin conducted a public hearing last week during the Oct. 21 Board of County Commissioners meeting to discuss incentives for Project Panda, which involves a manufacturing facility considering establishing its operations in Duplin County.
According to Summerlin, the manufacturing company is looking to make a local investment of $4 million over a three-year period, creating 42 new jobs, each with an approximate annual salary of $45,897. He explained that the potential investment could reach $16 million over five years, creating 167 local jobs.
Factors drawing them to our area include proximity to ports and favorable land lease prices comparable to those in competing states, explained Summerlin, emphasizing that incentives are crucial for the decision.
“Commerce is considering a building reuse program, and the county’s local commitment would be $10,000,” said Summerlin, adding that they are also exploring the OneNC Fund, which would involve a county contribution of $41,667.67 over three years.
County Manager Bryan Miller explained that a $4 million infrastructure improvement would create $29,400 per year in initial taxes. “If it jumps to $16 million, it’s around $117,000 per year,” said Miller.
The board approved a resolution to support the project.
In other business at the Oct. 21 County Commissioners meeting:
During road concerns, Warsaw Mayor A.J. Connors expressed concerns about an area between Kenansville and Warsaw, near Phillips Farm, where there have been several incidents involving deer crossing the road that could prevent accidents if it had signage to alert drivers.
Duplin resident Angela Maynard brought to the board’s attention a busy road near Grove Run Drive by James Kenan High School that children must cross to get to school. “Those cars coming by in the morning real fast,” said Maynor, adding that she has seen several near misses and the board should consider placing a warning sign.
Miller shared Maynard’s concern. “We have reached out to DOT, and we’ve also spoken with the Board of Education chairman about this matter,” said Miller. “They’re working together to try to resolve the issue and get some markings or some lights or something to rectify the situation.”
County Planner Chris Hatcher conducted a public hearing to request a program amendment to the county’s 2022 Community Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization program.
“The county is seeking additional funding due to continued deterioration of some of the houses, including the grant and inflation, which has increased the cost of construction since the original date application,” said Hatcher. He explained that the additional cost would be $370,000.
The board approved the request.
Randy Norwood was honored with a retirement plaque and presented the Old North State Award for his dedication and service to Duplin County for nearly two decades.
The next meeting will be on Nov. 4.
