Work is winding down on phase one of the construction of the Mid-Carolina Commerce Park and county leaders are examining second-phase financing and finalizing signage details.

All of the phase one road construction has been paved except for the cul-de-sac, where the area is too wet. Plans are for the paving to be postponed until early spring or summer.

The water and sewer infrastructure for the phase one portion has been completed and tested.

The County Council Economic Development decided last week to get a sign company to do a mock up of a sign for the entrance to the park. The sign will be a three-dimensional, “fluid” design that will be black, garnet and silver in color.

Prosperity Town Councilman Mike Hawkins, who attended the meeting, said Mid-Carolina residents should identify with the colors and take ownership in the county industrial park.

Committee members also noted that the color choice of garnet and gray incorporates Newberry College colors.

With the design work complete on phases two and three, which will extend roads, water and sewer to the back side of the property and road access to about 200 acres, the economic development committee is ready to submit the project for consideration on the capital project sales tax list. The request will total $2.5 million.

County leaders have also been applying for grants for the project and on Wednesday received $44,300 in funding for infrastructure from AT&T.

Economic Development Director Teresa Powers said that Nasmyth, the aeronautical company that had already announced industrial intentions in Newberry County, should be making plans to go ahead with its new industry at the Mid-Carolina Commerce Park in the next couple of months.

She added that as the economy picks up, new industries should start looking to build at the Mid-Carolina site.