Commissioners approve incentive for Project Dial, attorney says contract will include clawbacks

The Columbus County Board of Commissioners voted to approve an economic development incentive tied to "Project Dial," which the county attorney identified in the hearing as International Paper now operating as GCF (Global Cellulose Fibers). County Attorney Manor Prince told the board the company authorized a public announcement and said the incentive is expected to create four new jobs and retain 415 positions in the county.

Commissioners asked how the county would protect itself if the company later failed to meet commitments. Manor Prince said the immediate vote approves the grant; the attorney will return to the board with a formal contract that includes clawback provisions and that staff is working to strengthen those clauses following concerns raised at a prior meeting.

Board members said protecting the county’s long‑term employment base is a priority. One commissioner referenced a prior grant that created enforcement concerns and urged that future contracts include clear, enforceable remedies if job retention or investment promises are not met.

The incentive approval was handled as part of the economic development consent items. The board recorded the motion and approved the item without a recorded roll‑call beyond the customary "All in favor" statement. According to the attorney’s remarks, the county will not finalize closing or disbursement until the contract containing the clawbacks is presented and approved by the board.

What happens next: staff and the county attorney will return with the written contract and proposed clawback language for the board’s formal review and vote. The attorney said the company has begun internal steps to streamline a waste product into revenue at a Columbus County facility and is reinvesting in local operations.