Kershaw County approves incentives for controversial proposed Bethune Natural Gas plant

After hours of public debate, Kershaw County Council voted Tuesday night to approve development incentives for a controversial natural gas power plant proposed in Bethune.

Council approved the incentives for Project Ballast in a 4-3 vote, clearing the way for the company to move forward with plans for the nearly $900 million facility.

The proposed plant would be built on nearly 800 acres of privately owned land in the Town of Bethune. County officials said the property is already properly zoned for the project.

The meeting drew dozens of residents, many of whom urged council members to reject the proposal. Opponents, along with environmental advocacy groups, raised concerns about potential air pollution, public health impacts, environmental damage, declining property values and the possibility the site could eventually attract a large data center.

“I’m disappointed,” Bethune resident Jim Curley said after the vote. “I thought Kershaw County may come around when they saw more data, that it’s detrimental. The economic benefits may not outweigh or justify the health risks.”

Not everyone opposed the project. Several residents spoke in favor of the power plant, saying it could bring new investment and economic opportunities to the community.

“I’m extremely happy,” Bethune resident Grace Kane said about the vote. “I’m hoping for more economic development. I think this town has been stagnant for a long time, and I’m hopeful. I hope that there’s more funding for schools. I hope this brings tax incentives. I hope this brings a playground. I hope this helps businesses grow.”

County leaders said the power plant is expected to create 15 permanent jobs once operational.

Council Chairman Derek Shoemake said approving projects like Project Ballast is important for the county’s long-term economic growth.

“If we start saying no to residential growth, no to industry, no to commercial development, then we end up being a place where nobody wants to do business,” Shoemake said.

With the incentives now approved, the company Beaufort Rosemary can move forward with the permit process for the natural gas power plant.