Town of Summerville Planning Area - BCD Council of Governments

InfrastructureBusinesses look at a variety of factors whenconsidering relocation or expansion options. Oneof the key considerations is the availability ofinfrastructure suitable for a business’ needs.While a more detailed description of the PlanningArea’s infrastructure is available in theCommunity Facilities Element, a quick overview ofSummerville’s existing infrastructure and how itspresence relates to economic development isindicated here.Above: The Summerville Commissioners of Public Works is theprimary sewer and water provider for the Town.Owing to its location adjacent to Exit 199 onInterstate 26 and along two key US highways(Alternate US 17 and US 78), Summerville hasdirect access to major highways that serve themetro Charleston region and to other areas inSouth Carolina.Summerville also has the advantages of being near the port facilities in Charleston and the expandingCharleston International Airport. A number of airlines serve the airport, including Southwest Airlines as ofMarch 2011, providing non‐stop service to regional destinations. The airport is also located adjacent to thefacility where Boeing will begin manufacturing its 787 Dreamliner jet in 2011. For smaller scale generalaviation, the Dorchester County Airport, located approximately 5 miles from the center of Summerville,provides a local option. With the future extension of the airport’s runway to 4,501 feet in length (andeventually to just over 5,000 feet), Summerville’s airport will be able to serve larger airplanes, includingcorporate jets.Rail service is available in the industrial areas of the town at this time, providing links to the nearby portfacilities in Charleston, as well as to other parts of the US. Additionally, discussions are underway betweenregional agencies and the rail companies that serve the region about possibilities of a new regionalcommuter rail service that would connect the Town to downtown Charleston and other employmentcenters in the metro Charleston region.The Summerville Commissioners of Public Works provides sewer and water service to much of the PlanningArea. As of September of 2010, each of these facilities is operating at 60 percent or less of their maximumcapacity. South Carolina Electric and Gas (SCE&G) provides electricity to most of the Planning Area’sresidents and businesses. According to SCE&G, there is sufficient capacity for new businesses to expandwithin their network in the Planning Area.Numerous internet and telecommunications options are available to Summerville businesses. These optionsallow Summerville businesses to reach a worldwide customer base.Economic Development Element Page 17