Foothills YMCA to Expand With $6 Million in JEDA Financing
Seneca, SC — Oconee County
The Foothills Area YMCA will use a $6 million bond issue from the South Carolina Jobs-Economic Development Authority (JEDA) to help finance its expansion in Oconee County.
The tax-exempt Economic Development Revenue Bonds will be used to add 50,000 square feet to the Seneca site, which will include a second pool and splash pad, a gymnasium and additional group fitness space, and senior program space, as well as equipment and furnishings.
Ground for the project was broken on May 10 and construction is expected to take 12 to 14 months. The expansion will help retain 158 existing jobs and create three new full-time jobs and 50 part-time positions. The project financing also included a $3 million local fundraising campaign.
“We’ve only been open for five years and to be able to accommodate this kind of growth with such private-public support is immensely gratifying. JEDA financing has been a key part of this next step in fulfilling our vision and dream here.”
Christle Ross, Chief Executive Officer of the Foothills Area YMCA
“South Carolina’s Upstate continues to be an area of dynamic economic growth and community engagement. We’re pleased and privileged to help the Foothills Area YMCA meet its potential to serve and grow along with it,” said Kathy McKinney, Bond Counsel with Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A., in Greenville.
“JEDA is happy to continue our long history of helping local communities across the Palmetto State finance their ability to build healthy lifestyles and provide critical services to their citizens. The Foothills Area YMCA is a perfect example of how favorable financing terms can assist in making such progress possible,” said Jesse A. Smith, Executive Director of JEDA in Columbia.
