News Summary
The Pennsylvania Street Stormwater Mitigation Project has officially commenced in Florence, S.C. This initiative, a collaboration between the SC Office of Resilience and the City of Florence, aims to address flooding in low to moderate-income neighborhoods by upgrading outdated stormwater infrastructure. Enhancements include pipe replacements, storm drainage cleaning, and new drainage boxes, significantly improving stormwater management. Local officials highlight the project’s importance for residents and the overall environment.
Florence, S.C. – Construction on the Pennsylvania Street Stormwater Mitigation Project has officially commenced during the week of July 28, as a collaborative effort between the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) and the City of Florence. This initiative primarily targets low to moderate-income neighborhoods within the city, aiming to alleviate persistent flooding issues associated with outdated infrastructure.
Over the next five to seven months, workers will execute multiple improvements to the stormwater management systems along Pennsylvania, Coit, Preston, Lawson, and West Sumter Streets. Key enhancements include the replacement and up-sizing of nearly 1,300 linear feet of pipe and the cleaning of 2,380 linear feet of storm drainage. The project also features the installation of 39 new drainage boxes, which are expected to significantly improve the flow and management of stormwater.
The Pennsylvania Street area has been suffering from localized flooding, exacerbated by broken, blocked, and undersized pipes and a deteriorated detention pond. Approximately three-quarters of the residents within the affected service area are classified as low to moderate-income, making this project critical for enhancing their living conditions and protecting their property. The stormwater improvements aim to not only mitigate flooding but also to enhance mobility for residents and first responders along three local arterial roads.
Local officials have expressed strong support for this project. Representative Terry Alexander from District 59 commended the collaboration between SCOR and the City of Florence, highlighting the importance of addressing flooding solutions tailored to the community’s needs. Similarly, Senator Kent Williams from District 30 noted that the enhancements will have a positive impact not only on direct residents but on the broader watershed area, further extending the project’s benefits.
This stormwater mitigation initiative is part of a comprehensive master stormwater management plan for the City of Florence, which encompasses several initiatives aimed at reducing flooding risks across the city. By tackling the existing challenges with the stormwater infrastructure, the project seeks to create safer living conditions for the residents and ensures that essential services can operate effectively during adverse weather conditions.
The importance of stormwater management cannot be overstated, particularly in urban areas like Florence, where rainfall can quickly lead to significant flooding risks. Emphasizing community-focused projects, developers aim to increase resilience against future weather events, ensuring safety and accessibility throughout the city.
As construction progresses, city officials encourage residents to stay informed and engaged with updates related to project developments. The collaboration between state and local agencies underlines a commitment to improving the environmental infrastructure, ultimately fostering a more sustainable future for the City of Florence and its residents.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Florence Flooding and Stormwater Project
- Wikipedia: Stormwater Management
- WPDE: Stormwater Improvement Projects in Florence
- Google Search: Stormwater Management
- Post and Courier: Aiken City Council Stormwater Increases
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stormwater
- WPDE: Florence Road Work Updates
- Google News: Florence SC Flooding
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.
