7 counties are suing for $600 million won in a federal lawsuit settlement.

The counties near the Savannah River Site say they are entitled to the money.

They contend they have been the most harmed by the federal government’s neglect in failing to move nuclear waste from the site 45 minutes from Lexington County.

The lawsuit was filed in state court by Allendale and Barnwell counties and the Southern Carolina Alliance, an economic development group that represents 7 counties where the Savannah River Site is located.

Southern Carolina Alliance CEO Danny Black said in an affidavit that the deadly substance caused businesses to go elsewhere.

Attorney General Alan Wilson negotiated the settlement, but the counties don’t want him to turn over the money to the state general fund where 170 lawmakers can spend it.

They want the court to make Wilson put the money in an interest-bearing account until it’s decided who gets it.

Under the settlement, DOE agreed to remove the deadly radioactive plutonium over the next 20 years.

The lawsuit filed in state court claims that by having tons of plutonium in their area for many years, they will suffer “irreparable harm” if Wilson pays the money into the general fund, The State newspaper reported.

Wilson’s office responded, “Our office will follow the law that says the General Assembly has the sole ability to appropriate funds.”

Wilson said $75 million will go to 2 private Columbia law firms which worked to secure the settlement.