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ANDERSON COUNTY — On May 1 Anderson County will close the entirety of Green Pond Boat Ramp to begin Phase One construction of the Green Pond Event Center.

The closure will remain in place until Aug. 1. Matrix Construction anticipates this three-month closure to allow uninhibited access to construction traffic, including the hauling of stumps and approximately 50,000 cubic yards of soil. During this time, ALL thru traffic will be prohibited. County staff will evaluate traffic congestion after the initial three-month period and determine future closure arrangements.

Phase One, which will take place from May 1, 2013 through May 1, 2014, is predominately a mass grading project with large and heavy equipment crawling around the entire site. A portion of the existing parking area is also being used as a lay-down area, which requires all traffic and recreation parking to be restricted.

Ramp closure signs will be posted at various intersections (map attached):

1. Green Pond Landing Entrance

2. Green Pond Rd / Snowden Ln (1 approaching intersection from Green Pond and 1 approaching stop sign on Snowden Ln)

3. Green Pond Rd / Whitehall Ext. (approaching turn)

4. Old Asbury Rd / Whitehall Ext. (approaching stop sign)

5. Whitehall Ext. / Hwy 187

“The Green Pond Event Center will play a vital role in Anderson County’s future growth,” said Anderson County Councilman Tommy Dunn. “The Green Pond project will effectively utilize one of our most under-utilized assets, Lake Hartwell. We are grateful to all those who made this project into a reality - the Anderson County Legislative Delegation, SC DNR, Lake Hartwell Natural Resource Trustees, and Anderson County Government.”

Designed by Seamon Whiteside & Associates, the Master Plan for Green Pond Landing Event Center includes 6 deep water launch lanes, 160 additional combination vehicle parking spaces, 100 single vehicle parking spaces and exemplifies ADA accessibility. Upon full completion, on-site amenities will include a staging area for tournament weigh-in, drive-thru weigh-in lane, courtesy and weigh-in docks, pavilions, bathroom facilities, terraced amphitheatre, kayak / canoe launch, and fish habitat enhancements through SC DNR.

“The Parks Department apologizes for any inconvenience to residents and boaters who currently use the Green Pond boat ramp,” said Anderson County Parks Manager Matt Schell. “However, we are certain that once completed, this facility will accommodate recreational boaters, attract local, regional, and national tournament / event interest, and enhance our appeal to water sports enthusiasts far beyond Anderson County.”

On May 31, Anderson County conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Green Pond Project, which was attended by more than 80 local and state officials, US Army Corp of Engineers officials and community residents.

Green Pond is conveniently located 4 miles from Interstate 85, less than 2 miles from SC 24 and SC 187, within 8 miles of more than 30 hotels, motels, and campgrounds including countless restaurant opportunities, and retains a viewshed from SC Hwy 24.

**Photos of the site are posted on www.facebook.com/andersoncountysc