COLUMBIA, S.C. — Bringing business to Richland County has seemed like a major focus for the county council in the last year.
The company that has been under the disguise 'Project Charlie Echo' in public readings was unveiled Tuesday as FN America. The gun manufacturer proposed expansion in a new facility in Richland County, but some council members and members of the public pushed back against the deal.
The company already has one facility in the county on Old Clemson Road and wanted funds to expand with a new facility across the road from the existing site.
In a 5-5 vote and one recusal the motion to approve the facility coming to Richland County failed. Council members Pugh, McBride, Terracio, English, and Newton were all no votes. Councilwoman Jessica Mackey recused herself from the vote.
"When does our taxpayer's money stop going to big corporate companies? At some time, they must take the responsibility of hiring, and selling their products," said District Three Councilwoman, Yvonne McBride.
After the council vote, members of the public gathered outside to make sense of the decision. One resident who spoke at the meeting, says he's happy the deal did not go through, but says this is just the beginning.
"The next step is to reduce the amount of guns in my community, so I'm going to work with whoever I can to do a gun buyback program," said Mark Talbert.
Richland County says FN America can come back and propose another deal in the future.
The deal would have brought $16.5 million to the area and also promised at least 100 new jobs as well.