S.C. House intends to fast-track Boeing subsidy bill

S.C. House intends to fast-track Boeing subsidy bill

 

COLUMBIA — The S.C. House will fast-track a bill providing $120 million to the Boeing Co. after the state Senate approved the proposal Thursday.

The measure calls for the cash to be provided to the company in exchange for a major expansion of the company’s operations in North Charleston.

Senators passed the bill by a 34-4 vote.

House Speaker Bobby Harrell’s office said in a release Thursday that the bill will be up for debate in the lower chamber on Tuesday, when lawmakers return to Columbia.

Under the proposal, the $120 million would be raised by selling state-backed bonds.

A top Boeing South Carolina official this week would not say whether the company’s planned investments will involve about 320 acres the company recently agreed to buy from the Charleston County Aviation Authority.

Amy Love, spokeswoman for the S.C. Commerce Department, said the bond proceeds are anticipated to be used to acquire, mitigate and prepare land for Boeing’s expansion.

Reach Stephen Largen at 864-641-8172 and follow him on Twitter @stephenlargen.