The finishing touches, including everything from marina signs to yellow stripes in the parking lot, are complete on a new marina in Georgetown County.

A deceleration lane, landscaping and a marina building are finished on the Carroll Campbell Marina Complex, said Georgetown Capital Projects director Don Corinna.

People are already starting to drive through the sparkling new marina, hoping that it is open for business, he said.

All that is lacking is a final inspection before boaters can begin using the landing for tournaments and recreational fishing.

"It is substantially complete,'' he said. "We hope to open by spring for the start of the fishing season."

Boost to the economy

Combined with the news of a new Boeing Plant locating soon in North Charleston, local officials feel that the economy is looking up in Georgetown County.

The boat landing, which will open in the next few months, is projected to pump at least $800,000 a year into the economy, Corinna said.

$800K into economy

The money will come from tournaments and fees paid by the marina uses, and money spent by boaters in the community.

Local officials think the Boeing plant will bring new business to the Port of Georgetown, which will in turn create jobs and stimulate the economy in Georgetown.

"I think the Carroll Campbell boat landing will be good for tourists,'' said Rep. Carl Anderson, D-Georgetown. "That site will be a park, so that will attract the local people. And those fishing tournaments bring in people from all over."

The boat landing is a 20-acre complex that will include six boat ramps, aluminum docks, 200 parking spaces, restroom facilities and an observation deck for weigh-ins and fishing tournaments.

The complex is part of the county capital improvement plan, which also made major improvements to the Georgetown County Airport and built the newly dedicated Georgetown County Judicial Center.

The new complex is named in honor of the late Carroll Campbell, who served as the state's governor from 1987-1995.

"We're hoping to bring some fishing tournaments,'' said County Economic Development Director Wayne Gregory.

"We're excited. It's a tremendous opportunity for us."