Daily Journal Staff

The S.C. Department of Commerce announced more than $11.6 million in Community Development Block Grants have been awarded to 13 South Carolina communities.

The funds are allocated for specific projects that will benefit more than 9,000 low to moderate income residents in South Carolina.

“From day one, our administration has focused on bettering the economic soil conditions to promote business growth throughout the state and enhance opportunities for community and economic development,” Gov. Mark Sanford said. “These grants will help a number of our communities address infrastructure needs to make them more competitive in attracting jobs and new investment.”

A majority of the projects created as a result of these grants will make improvements to or develop completely new sewer and/or water systems in the selected neighborhoods. After the completion of these projects, many sanitary and safety concerns will be eliminated in these areas of the state. The grants represent a portion of the money allocated annually to South Carolina from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“These grants are awarded on a merit basis and require contributions from local communities,” said Joe Taylor, secretary of commerce. “The program has been successful in producing lasting and positive results for communities in need and will go a long way towards improving both quality of life and economic opportunities for many South Carolinians.”

Grant recipients were selected through a statewide competitive process in which local governments submitted grant applications.

Recipients include: Berkeley County, $1 million for water north of Cross; the town of Edgefield, $650,069 for sewer system upgrade; town of Estill, $1 million for sewer upgrades; town of Heath, $872,225 for springs water system improvements; Horry County, $1 million for Brooksville sewer extension; town of Lane, $1 million for sewer system phase I; town of Latta, $1 million for water system upgrade; city of Liberty, $867,600 for town-wide water; town of Ninety Six, $989,818 for Lowell/Kitson water & sewer upgrade; town of Pendleton, $902,000 for phase II water; city of Pickens, $972,662 for Hagood Mill Village II sewer; city of Seneca, $870,000 for Utica Mill Village sewer; and city of Wellford Main, $500,000 for street area sewer.