MB gains $7 million for trade center

Myrtle Beach will buy 28 acres of land as a first step to expand the convention center with a $7 million grant awarded to the project Tuesday by the state Budget and Control Board.

Gov. Mark Sanford voted against the project and Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom abstained, but the other three members were in favor of the award.

The vote means the state will now issue bonds to raise the money for the project.

Sanford said his vote against the trade center was not a reflection of his opinion about the project itself.

"It's not about the convention center but how do we put in place benchmarks on the degree of private versus public investment and how do we go about attempting to set benchmarks for rates of return?" he said.

"Because if you don't define them up front, we all know how political waters work in South Carolina. The river runs downstream and sometimes runs downstream to places where it won't raise people's odds of enhanced job prospects and enhanced personal income numbers."

Sanford said the economic base in South Carolina and the country is in transition, moving out of manufacturing and into areas such as services, information and tourism.

"We do think we have a competitive advantage in tourism as a sector of our economy relative to other sectors around the country, and in fact, Myrtle Beach is the epicenter of tourism in our state," the governor said.

Mayor Mark McBride spoke Tuesday against the project, repeating his position that the city does not have a solid plan to cover the rest of the $82.1 million for the expansion.

Myrtle Beach spokesman Mark Kruea said the legislation that set up the economic development project fund did not require specific plans or justification.

The trade center is "a tourism creator," and "more tourism means more jobs," Kruea said.

City Manager Tom Leath spoke in favor of the plan, representing the six City Council members who also voted for it.

"We're pleased to see the state commit to its cash cow," Brad Dean, president of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, said.

The action leads to "a significant investment in the area" in the form of an international trade center, he said.

"I'm very pleased that the Budget and Control Board has authorized the release of the state funds," State Rep. Alan Clemmons, R-Myrtle Beach.

"The trade center is a significant and important part of the future of tourism for Horry County and South Carolina."

Clemmons said he is disappointed the governor voted against the project but that "it is his heartfelt position on the issue of funds for projects."

Dean took a positive look at Sanford's position.

"Despite his vote against it, we're thrilled the governor is touting the importance of Myrtle Beach."

Assistant Managing Editor Carolyn Callison Murray contributed to this report.

Contact ZANE WILSON at 357-9188 or zwilson@thesunnews.com.