Google’s $3.3 Billion Investment is Transforming Dorchester County

If you’ve been following growth in the Lowcountry, you know our corner of South Carolina is on the map in a big way. On September 26, 2024, Google announced a $3.3 billion investment right here in South Carolina to expand its cloud and data center infrastructure. For us locals, that means two massive new data center campuses are coming to Dorchester County:

• Pine Hill Business Campus in Ridgeville

• Winding Woods Commerce Park in St. George

This is a big deal not just for tech and innovation—but for jobs, local business, and community investment. Let’s break down what it means for our area.

Water Usage & Environmental Commitment

Water is always a hot topic when big facilities come to town, and Google has been strategic and community-mindedabout how these new centers will use resources:

• Multiple water sources:

  • Pine Hill will pull water from Dorchester County Water Authority and the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency.

  • Winding Woods will primarily be served by the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency as well.

• No new wells for the county: Dorchester County won’t need to drill new wells to support these facilities.

• Phased demand: As the data centers are built in phases, water demand will increase gradually, which helps manage local supply.

Google also has a strong environmental commitment. By 2030, they aim to replenish 120% of the water they consume. Here in South Carolina, they’ve already donated $600,000 to The Nature Conservancy to help restore longleaf pine ecosystems, which improves water retention and supports wildlife.

Fun fact: Google reuses its cooling water three or more times before sending it to the sewer system, and all water usage will be tracked and shared in their annual Environmental Report.

Water Costs & Local Benefits

No special treatment here—Google pays the same water and sewer rates as any residential or commercial customer in Dorchester County.

• Water:

  • First 3,000 gallons: covered by the meter service charge

  • 3,001–7,000 gallons: $4.68 per 1,000 gallons

  • Above 7,000 gallons: $5.02 per 1,000 gallons

• Sewer:

  • $66.15/month for the first 7,000 gallons

  • $12.70 per 1,000 gallons after that

The infrastructure upgrades Google pays for will also benefit other homes and businesses in the surrounding area—meaning this growth isn’t just for them, it’s for us too.

Economic Development Impact

This project is a game-changer for Dorchester County. Here’s what’s coming with it:

• 200 full-time local jobs once the centers are operational

• 1,200 long-term construction jobs during the build-out

• Contracts for local businesses—from landscaping to catering—keep dollars in our community

On top of that, Google is investing $2.6 million to expand energy affordability programs for low- and moderate-income households in South Carolina and North Carolina.

The Big Picture

Between new jobs, infrastructure improvements, and environmental commitments, Google’s presence in Dorchester County is a sign of growth and opportunity. It’s another reason why the Lowcountry continues to attract innovation and investment—and why so many families and businesses are looking to call this area home.

As someone who loves showcasing our community and lifestyle through Lemon Lane Living, it’s exciting to see this momentum. Whether it’s the charm of our historic streets or the innovation of new industry, the Lowcountry continues to shine—sunnies on, of course. ☀️

Boeing Lands Record-Breaking $96 Billion Deal with Qatar Airways – Big News for Charleston!

If you live in Charleston or anywhere in the Lowcountry, chances are you’ve driven past Boeing’s massive campus in North Charleston and felt that sense of pride knowing this is where some of the world’s most advanced planes are born. Well, that pride just got a major boost.

The White House announced a record-breaking $96 billion deal with Qatar Airways, giving Boeing its largest order ever for South Carolina–made planes. This agreement is part of a larger $244 billion package of U.S.-Qatar economic deals and is nothing short of a gamechanger for our state.

Here’s why this matters for Charleston and beyond.

A Historic Order for the Lowcountry

The deal includes up to 210 widebody jets, with:

• 130 of the 787 Dreamliners made right here in North Charleston

• 30 Boeing 777s built in Washington state

• An option for 50 more of either model

This single order broke three company records:

1. Largest widebody order in Boeing history

2. Largest-ever order for Charleston’s 787 Dreamliner

3. Qatar Airways’ largest order ever

Once complete, Qatar Airways will become the largest operator of 787 Dreamliners in the Middle East, solidifying Charleston’s role as a global hub for aviation innovation.

Jobs, Growth, and Local Impact

Boeing currently employs about 8,200 people in South Carolina, most of them right here in Charleston County. This deal doesn’t just make headlines—it secures years of work for the local plant and supports 154,000 U.S. jobs annuallyacross the domestic supply chain.

Senator Lindsey Graham called the news a “gamechanger” for South Carolina and praised Boeing’s local workforce:

“The Boeing workforce in South Carolina has a lot to be proud of – they consistently work hard and provide great airplanes.”

For our community, this deal is more than numbers—it means job security, economic growth, and validation of the incredible skill and dedication of Charleston’s aerospace talent.

Boeing’s Charleston Journey

It’s wild to think that the first 787 Dreamliner rolled out of the North Charleston assembly line in 2012, and here we are, just over a decade later, making global history.

• 2009: Boeing chose Charleston, committing to a $750 million investment and 3,800 jobs

• 2013: Another $1 billion investment and 2,000 new jobs

• 2024: Boeing pledged yet another $1 billion investment and 500 more jobs over five years

From tax incentives to community partnerships, the growth of Boeing in Charleston has been a long-term success story for the Lowcountry.

A Golden Era for American Manufacturing

Beyond Charleston pride, this deal reflects a national moment for American manufacturing. Powered by American-made GE Aerospace engines, these planes will fly passengers around the world while supporting over a million U.S. jobs throughout production.

For those of us who live here, it’s a reminder of how global innovation and local life intersect in the Lowcountry. Whether I’m showcasing Charleston through my sunnies or helping families find their home here, it’s clear that our community continues to grow in opportunity and visibility—and this is just the beginning.

The Bottom Line

This $96 billion deal isn’t just about planes—it’s about people, pride, and the bright future of Charleston as a hub for global aviation. From the first Dreamliner to this historic order, Boeing’s journey in South Carolina continues to soar.

Sunnies on, Charleston—our skyline just got a little higher. ✈️☀️