More Water in Upper County Could Reverse Flow of Traffic

The nearly two-decade long struggle to bring water capacity to upper Dorchester County has come to a close this week as funds were secured to finish a $6 million project that will allow business and growth in the area. 

A Rural Infrastructure Authority grant will fund $1.55 million of the $1.80 million needed for the project that would extend water lines — a million gallons of water per day — from Holly Hill to Harleyville. Dorchester County is left with a minimal tab of about $250,000 to pick up to complete the project. 

The rest of the money has been secured, according to Dorchester County Administrator Jason Ward.

The water will come from the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency. Most of lower Dorchester County is served by Lake Moultrie. 

While the largest beneficiary will be, Dorchester County Economic Development Director Jon Baggett said Summerville residents will see the benefit to the project.

"It's going to impact our tax base revenue," Baggett said. "And we're going to start reversing the commute in the county (as new businesses open in the area)."

Baggett said businesses seek water capacity for fire protection and insurance, and some businesses need water capacity for manufacturing. 

Ward said he will instruct the Budget and Finance Committee to push the remainder of the money needed through to County Council so the project can be approved as soon as possible. The committee meets Tuesday.

Army Corps of Engineers and Santee Cooper can start finishing the design and easement acquisition in June, Ward said. 

The RIA is a newly-formed state agency that is housed at the S.C. Department of Commerce. The purpose of the RIA is to support the construction and improvement of rural infrastructure through competitive grants and other financial assistance.