August 10, 2025

Florence Begins $5.1 Million Stormwater Infrastructure Project

News Summary

The City of Florence is launching a stormwater infrastructure improvement project funded by a $5.1 million grant from the South Carolina Office of Resilience. The Pennsylvania Street Stormwater Mitigation Project aims to upgrade failing infrastructure to enhance flood management across the region. Construction, which started last week, will last approximately five to seven months, improving key areas significantly affected by flooding. The project is part of Florence’s broader efforts to address stormwater challenges with additional funds and initiatives underway.

City of Florence is embarking on a significant stormwater infrastructure improvement initiative, with the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) providing a $5.1 million grant to kick-start the Pennsylvania Street Stormwater Mitigation Project. Construction began last week and is expected to continue for five to seven months.

This project will implement multiple stormwater infrastructure upgrades along key streets including Pennsylvania, Coit, Preston, Lawson, and West Sumter Streets. The funding from SCOR, awarded through its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Stormwater Infrastructure Program, is designed to enhance stormwater systems in various municipalities across the state of South Carolina.

The City of Florence is responsible for the day-to-day management of the project and will contribute approximately $1 million as a local cost share. Localized flooding issues in the Pennsylvania Street watershed area of Historic West Florence have been attributed to outdated and failing infrastructure, which includes broken, blocked, or undersized pipes and a deteriorated detention pond.

The Pennsylvania Street project aims to replace and upsize nearly 1,300 linear feet of pipe, and conduct cleaning on 2,380 linear feet of storm drainage. Additionally, the construction will include the installation of 39 new drainage boxes to further mitigate flooding risk.

Senator Kent Williams noted that these infrastructure enhancements will particularly benefit the residents living along the affected streets and in the larger watershed area. SCOR has allocated approximately $65 million in ARPA funds to support various stormwater infrastructure improvement projects throughout South Carolina.

In conjunction with the Pennsylvania Street project, another stormwater initiative is underway in the Timrod Park area. This effort is also part of the City’s master plan focused on addressing flooding issues and enhancing stormwater quality. The Timrod Park project has a budget of around $6 million and will involve upgrading essential infrastructure on Cedar Street and McQueen Street leading toward the downtown district.

Some components of these stormwater management projects are being funded through federal grants from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation program. The City Council of Florence has approved a total of 13 projects aimed specifically at reducing flooding across various communities within the city.

Additional financial initiatives are underway as the City plans to apply for further grants, which include approximately $19 million aimed at enhancing recreational infrastructure and addressing upgrades to water and sewer systems. Proposed improvements in Levy Park may encompass extensive walking trails, a youth center, and sports facilities, contingent upon successful grant applications.

The City of Florence recently held public meetings to discuss stormwater challenges with residents, ensuring that community input is included in the stormwater master plan. Future upgrades to the water and sewer systems in Florence are estimated to cost around $537 million, with plans for a bond issuance of approximately $446 million over the next four years.

The overarching goals of these infrastructure initiatives are centered on decreasing flooding concerns and improving living conditions throughout Florence, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the city’s resilience against stormwater-related challenges.