The authority in May announced it had made available $29 million in grants for capital improvement projects in 16 counties, including four in the Pee Dee. The grants will go toward improving water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, benefiting more than 50,000 households and businesses and bolstering services that support economic growth, the statement said.

Julie Johnson, general manager of Chesterfield County Rural Water Co., said in an email the utility would use the funds to replace about 7,400 linear feet of existing 2.5-inch PVC water line along Peach Orchard Road between Kirkley and Evans Mill roads with a new 6-inch ductile iron water main. Johnson said the project also involves installing six fire hydrants, a creek crossing and an air-release valve and vault; pavement and driveway restoration; and “all associated appurtenances.”

Additionally, plans call for the full refurbishment of the booster pump station at 10905 Highway 265. The refurbish includes replacing pumps, motors, piping, valves, electrical panels and new variable-frequency drives, Johnson said.

The project will improve low-pressure conditions, rehabilitate the critical pump station and distribution system, and improve system reliability and efficiency, Johnson said.

 According to Johnson, this project will follow the guidelines set forth by the Rural Infrastructure Authority, which include a bid process.

She shared the timeline for the project:

The utility has tapped Kellahan Brothers Engineering LLC, based in Kingstree, for the design work. Chesterfield County Rural Water Co. has used Kellahan for more than three years.

The other grantees in the Pee Dee included:

The town of Kingstree in Williamsburg County and Williamsburg County itself also received infrastructure grants.

Additionally, the Rural Infrastructure Authority selected the town of Olanta in Florence County to participate in its new viability improvement program aimed at helping smaller utilities strengthen long-term viability.