SC RIA Awards over $18 Million to Dorchester County for Infrastructure

South Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority recently awarded over 200 grants totaling over $1.3 billion to local governments and public water and sewer utilities within the S.C. Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP). According to SCIIP, funds were granted to “modernize and upgrade critical facilities that will have far-reaching impacts for years to come.”

Dorchester County has been awarded $18,665,407 in the form of two grants from SCIIP. These grants will help improve the County’s water and wastewater infrastructure to address the growing needs of the County. The first grant provides $10 million dollars for the construction of the Pump Station 4 and Force Main Project. This project includes the construction of a 30-inch replacement force main and the expansion of Pump Station 4 and will address capacity and reliability issues in the Orangeburg Road Area and accommodate future growth.

The second grant provides $8,665,407 for the construction of the first phase of the Water Interconnection Project. This project addresses the increased water demand occurring in the Ridgeville-Givhans area by providing a connection to water from the Lake Marion Regional Water System. This new 16-inch water line originates at the Ridgeville Industrial Campus and terminates at a connection into the County’s water line on Highway 27 south of Ridgeville. The first phase which comprises of 6 miles of 16-inch pipe will be extended to the Pine Hill Industrial Park on US 17A in Phase 2.

“Dorchester County is ecstatic to be awarded these grants that support two critical infrastructure projects that address the growing water and wastewater needs of our community. This $18 million award from SCIIP provides over 75% of the total cost needed for both projects which is a significant savings to the county,” says Dorchester County Council Chairman Todd Friddle. “We also appreciate the Dorchester County State Delegation including Representative Murphy, Representative Gatch, Representative Robbins, Representative Brewer, and Senator Bennett who worked together and supported these projects.”