A long-wanted face-lift is starting at an industrial area in Batesburg-Leesville.

After a 13-year wait, Lexington County and town leaders are adding roads, water and sewer at the 176-acre tract on the east edge of the community.

“It’s been a long haul to get to where we are,” town Mayor Rita Crapps said.

The improvements should be complete by Dec. 31, officials said.

It’s not clear how long it will take the $4 million project to produce a payoff, but Crapps predicted “somebody will bite the hook” once the facilities are ready.

Adding the improvements is vital to attract jobs to the town of 5,400 residents. Companies looking to expand want parcels that can be used quickly instead of waiting for roads and utilities to be brought in, officials say.

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