COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Midlands is about to experience some growing pains.
With Scout Motors and another proposed multi-million dollar company --code named Project Viper -- possibly coming to the Midlands some residents have concerns.
While many are excited about the economic development some residents want to know how the county will handle the influx of new workers.
Richland County Council says Project Viper combined with Scout Motors creates a possibility of 4,310 new jobs coming to the Midlands.
When asked about 'Project Viper' Richland County council chairman Overture Walker said, “A battery recycling manufacturer and so it gives the county an opportunity to actually be a vanguard if you will with clean energy with respect to battery recycling."
And with it comes an increase in population.
“So when I first moved here it was a very different vibe than what it is now,” Alexis Doktor said.
She said she’s seen two decades’ worth of changes in the Midlands and she feels it’s going to take some adjustment..
“You have to have the proper infrastructure and that starts with the ground that starts with the roads there has to be money just put into the factory of where these people are going to be employed but also the city to handle that much of an influx of humans coming to live here,” Doktor said.
According to Walker, this is something the county is considering as Scout Motors gets ready to call Blythewood home.
“The state has already committed to adding an interchange, which we believe would alleviate much of the traffic congestion well at least divert traffic away from the town of Blythewood and it would also alleviate traffic congestion,” said the chairman.
Part of the infrastructure will be paid for with Richland County’s penny tax.
Richland county council is expected to vote on 'Project Viper 'on Tuesday night and will have time for public comment.