The authority also implemented its new visibility improvement program, which combines technical assistance with future grant opportunities. It has selected two participants for the program, one of which is the town of Olanta in Florence County, the other being McCormick County.
Grantees in the Pee Dee and their award amounts:
Chesterfield County Rural Water Company for $1,473,691
Darlington County for $1,500,000
City of Florence for $1,500,000
Town of Latta in Dillon County for $1,491,600
Other grantees throughout the state include:
Town of Kingstree in Williamsburg County and Williamsburg County itself
City of Aiken, Aiken County
City of Barnwell, Barnwell County
Cherokee County
City of Walterboro, Colleton County
Dorchester County Water Authority
Metropolitan Sewer Subdistrict in Greenville County
City of Clinton, Laurens County
Lexington County
City of Orangeburg, Orangeburg County
Greer Commission of Public Works, Spartanburg Water System, Startext-Jackson-Wellford-Duncan Water District and the town of Lyman in Spartanburg County
Towns of Fort Mill and Sharon in York County
According to the statement, these grants will go toward upgrading water mains, rehabilitating or replacing wastewater lines, improving wastewater pumping stations and treatment plants, and expanding stormwater drains. These projects typically address undersized or aging infrastructure.
Bonnie Ammons, the authority's executive director, said in the statement, “These targeted investments provide the support needed to improve quality of life and facilitate economic opportunities across the state.”
The Rural Infrastructure Authority awards these grants semiyearly “through a competitive process that considers the need for improved public health, environmental protection, community sustainability and economic opportunities,” the statement said. Recipients share costs by paying for non-construction or other activities, as well as providing additional funds for construction.
The SC Rural Infrastructure Authority is headed up by the SC secretary of Commerce and governed by a board of directors, including six members who reside in or represent distressed counties, according to the statement.