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West Columbia receives $10M grant for water improvements

Christina Lee Knauss //April 28, 2023//

West Columbia receives $10M grant for water improvements

Christina Lee Knauss //April 28, 2023//

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The City of West Columbia has received a grant for $10 million from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Investment Program.

West Columbia is one of many locations throughout South Carolina notified this week about the grants from the program, according to a news release.

The South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority has awarded a total of 219 grants in the amount of $1.4 billion, to local governments as well as public water and sewer utilities under the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program. The program funds were allocated by the General Assembly from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. The grants are intended to modernize and upgrade critical facilities statewide.

In West Columbia, the funds will assist in approximately $15.1 million of water distribution-related projects in both residential and commercial areas inside and outside the city limits, upgrading over 45,000 linear feet of water infrastructure including 432 new services and 31 new fire hydrants which will improve system operation and performance. 

The $10 million in grant funding was the maximum grant amount awarded to an entity and will allow for the completion of major capital projects and reduce future financial impact on rate payers.

The award also makes funds available for other projects, such as the Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant expansion, a project that is increasing water treatment capacity and upgrading treatment technology.

The City of West Columbia provides water to a majority of Lexington County through the two water treatment plants, the distribution system, and wholesale customers the Joint Municipal Water Sewer Commission and the Town of Lexington.

A complete list of grant recipients statewide is available online. 

 

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