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 Localized flooding issues in the Pennsylvania Street watershed area of Historic West Florence have been attributed to outdated and failing infrastructure, which includes broken, blocked, or undersized pipes and a deteriorated detention pond.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.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Construction Begins on Pennsylvania Street Stormwater Project
South Carolina Secures $1.5 Million for Infrastructure Improvements
Heritage Landscaping Expands with New Locations in South Carolina
Additional Resources
- WPDE: Florence Begins Major Stormwater Project
- Wikipedia: Stormwater Management
- MSN: Win for Florence Residents
- Google Search: Stormwater Infrastructure Improvement
- SC Daily Gazette: SC Flood Response Funding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- SC Now: Local Stormwater Projects
- Google News: Stormwater Project Florence
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.