EASLEY – The Saco Lowell shopping center project got a huge shot in the arm Monday when Easley officials learned they will get federal stimulus money for the road improvements needed for the area.

A total of $6 million has been set aside for the Prince Perry Bridge and U.S. 123 project, according to Easley administrator Fox Simons.

Officials got the good news Monday following a meeting by the Greenville-Pickens Area Transportation Study committee.

The project had previously been deemed ineligible for the stimulus funds, but city officials went to work to convince decision makers that it did meet the criteria.

Three weeks ago, officials made a trip to Columbia to make their case to the S.C. Department of Transportation.

“When the powers that be took a second look, they agreed, and we are very grateful,” Simons said.

Now, since federal dollars will be used on the project, it will have to meet federal guidelines, he said, along with city and state requirements.

Currently, officials are working out the details to make sure the project does meet those standards.

“We’re making sure all our bases are covered,” Simons said.

Work on the actual shopping center, located on the old Saco Lowel plant site still continues, and Simons said the stimulus money will be a big help to the entire project.

Once completed, the shopping center will include a Super Wal-Mart and other stores and is expected to employee about 900 people.

Simons said he did not know at this point when the project will be completed.