History
Formed in 1912, Jasper County is South Carolina’s third youngest county, but has since grown to a population of around 16,000. Ridgeland, the town once known as Gopher Hill, serves as the county seat at the geographic center of the county. Both Ridgeland and Hardeevill, the two incorporated towns in the county, are located on the vital north-south transporation artery of Interstate 95 at Exits 5, 8, 21 and 22. Point South at I-95 Exit 33 is a thriving Interchange on Hwy. 14 and features an abundance of accommondations & restaurants.
Industry
The county offers three major industrial parks as well as membership with four contiguous counties in the nations’ first multi-county industrial complex. The labor force in a 30 miles radius numbers in excess of 200,000. A fully developed infrastructure network assures water, electric power, gas , sewer and service roads throughout the county.
Location
Jasper County is located in the southwestern section of South Carolina and forms the boundary with Georggia on the western side. It si straatedgally located between the historic port cities Charleston and Savannah and has seven interchanges on the North/South corridor of Interstate 95.
Key Issues in the Community
- Need for Affordable Housing
- Jobs for the Workforce
- Improvements needed in the Public Schools
- New Superintendent at the Public Schools
- Growing Population of Immigrants
- Need for Affordable Rental Housing Units