Auto park talks near final phase, Sanford says

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"I know the developer sent back a proposal today," Sanford said of developer Clifford D. Rosen.

"Are we nearing the last round of negotiations? Yes," Sanford said. "I am hopeful this is a proposal that meets muster. What we've said all is long we are committed to the project. We are not wedded to this one developer."

Sanford said the state had sent a proposal to Rosen, and that Rosen had sent a return proposal. Sanford could not confirm what was said in either proposal.

Sanford said he will support the decision of Secretary of Commerce Bob Faith and Clemson University Trustee Bill Smith, who are the project's "quarterbacks." Faith declined Thursday to comment further on the negotiations.

"Whether or not (Rosen) did all that was asked, I don't know," Sanford said. "If he didn't, I would support Bill, Clemson and Commerce if they said no, this isn't enough."

The proposed automotive research park could spur 20,000 high-tech jobs in Greenville.

Rosen's company, Rosen Associates Development Inc., has been working with Clemson University to develop the park on 407 acres along Interstate 85 and Laurens. Plans call for Clemson to operate a graduate school of automotive engineering and wind tunnel at the site.

Rosen's Miami-based company would profit by selling land in the park to automotive and motorsports companies attracted by Clemson's research.

The wind tunnel was a "major inducement" for $12 million allocated by the State Infrastructure Bank to build roads in the park. In addition to the road money, South Carolina may provide $25 million to build the graduate school and another $15 million to endow professorships. BMW, the German automaker with a plant near Greer, has agreed to donate $10 million to endow professorships.

Sanford told The Greenville News Thursday he became concerned when Rosen would not say how much he was putting into the project and in January asked for 60 days to review the deal, which irked some Upstate leaders.

"All of this could have been avoided if way back when we first met, I asked what he was putting in the deal?" Sanford said. "When you are dealing with public funds that is a very basic question. That is what originally threw up the red flag."

Rosen declined comment Thursday.

Sanford said despite all the concerns, he wants the park in Greenville.

"We are committed to the outcome. We are committed to this project in Greenville," Sanford said. "We are confident a deal can be reached that accomplishes those objectives whether it is with this developer or another developer."