Lexington County officials are ready to develop a technology hub in Chapin after acquiring the final parcel for the project Tuesday.

Plans call for a new road to be put on the 220-acre site near I-26 this summer, with water and sewer service to follow.

County Council members approved purchasing the final 58-acre piece for $1.5 million.

Their goal is to attract computer data and financial services firms as well as companies affiliated with operations at the South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. nuclear plant near Jenkinsville, 10 miles north.

“Those are the type of businesses we would welcome,” Mayor Stan Shealy said.

The Y-shaped tract extends from S.C. 48 (Columbia Avenue locally) near Chapin High north to Brentwood Road.

Buying and developing the site along the north edge of the county is estimated to cost $13 million.

It will be the third industrial park county leaders are opening, but the first focused on technology. The other two in Batesburg-Leesville and near Cayce are marketed for manufacturers, warehouses and similar operations.

Developing the new site for technology businesses is “the right fit” for Chapin, county economic development director Chuck Whipple said.

The site is already on the radar of such companies looking to expand, he said.

Shealy expects several small operations will come, providing a few dozen jobs at a time instead of major payrolls.

The project promises to spur new residential and retail growth in the town of 1,500 residents, already popular for its location near Lake Murray, he said.

Reach Flach at (803) 771-8483.