Charleston Regional Development Alliance

Berkeley, Charleston & Dorchester Counties

Printed from www.crda.org

Current Initiatives

Wind Energy Research

Kudos to the Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI) for winning a significant grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to test next-generation wind turbine drivetrains at its North Charleston research campus. According to U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, CURI landed the $98 million test lab because of strong state support, good port facilities and Clemson University's "forward-looking" management plans. Completion is targeted for third quarter 2012.

Next Generation Learning

Charleston is among a handful of communities designated by the Ford Motor Co. Fund as a “Next Generation Learning Community,” a program designed to strengthen the connection between student education and preparation for the local workforce. Currently underway: a master plan for high school career academies with themes ranging from healthcare to engineering.

Complete Streets

A promising Metro-Charleston Bike Plan calls for a comprehensive network of bikeways connecting downtown Charleston with surrounding communities, including James Island, West Ashley, North Charleston, Daniel Island and Mount Pleasant. Developed by Clemson University’s Architecture Center in Charleston, the plan would provide inter-regional connections to serve commuters, recreational riders, tourists and local residents.

Burgeoning Biosciences

2009 was a pivotal year for the region’s growing life sciences sector. MUSC’s Hollings Cancer Center is now a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Center, one of only 64 in the country. MUSC also received one of seven NIH Clinical Translational Science Awards, designed to speed the process between research and patient treatment. And to help bioscience startups hit the ground running, the SCRA MUSC Innovation Center opened its doors. Next up: an urban-centered bioscience research park adjacent to the Medical University.

Sustainable Development

MeadWestvaco unveiled its conservation-focused master plan for East Edisto, nearly 79,000 acres of former timberland bordering the eastern edge of the Edisto River. The blueprint calls for preserving 75% of the property as largely undeveloped green space, with the other quarter slated for two industrial parks and a cluster of small towns. The first phase will be built out over the next 10 to 15 years.

Boeing Breaks Ground

Construction for the company’s second 787 assembly line is underway on a 240-acre campus near the Charleston International Airport. This new 584,000-square-foot facility will join two existing operations where thousands of Boeing employees currently perform fabrication, assembly and systems installation for the 787 aft and mid-body fuselage. Boeing expects to begin production in the new plant in 2011.

Buy Local, Be Local

Lowcountry Local First is rallying support for independent, locally owned businesses. The group's "Buy Local, Be Local" campaign educates Lowcountry residents to think local when they're considering purchases, buy local whenever possible, and be local by supporting businesses that keep our community unique. "Farm Fresh Food," a sustainable agriculture initiative, focuses on strengthening local farms by creating partnerships with area restaurants, institutions and the community.