Sanctuary Pointe back on state’s agenda

A project whose progress stalled when the economy slowed is back on the agenda tomorrow of the South Carolina Budget and Control Board in Columbia. And, apparently, supporters and opponents are lining up as the five-member board decides whether to approve a 46-year lease by the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism to Sanctuary Pointe, LLC. The property, known as Sanctuary Pointe near the SC/GA border behind the Welcome Center at Lake Hartwell, totals nearly 700 acres and is owned by the Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps’ currently leases the property to the PRT. The PRT proposes to sub-lease about 325 acres to Sanctuary Pointe. As long ago as 1980, the property was projected as a resort with a hotel and conference center, golf course, and resort harbor complex for public recreation purposes. Sanctuary Pointe supporter Gene Blair is trying to muster support for the sublease. In a weekend email, Blair said, “A small but very active group is doing its best to kill the project and is inundating the five commissioners with letters/emails. Unfortunately those of us supporting it have not been vocal, making it look like Oconee doesn’t want it. We need help!”