LAKE CITY, S.C. (WMBF) – Lake City leaders received a $13.5 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, which will go towards addressing ongoing flooding issues throughout the city.
“To celebrate what I think is not just a significant milestone but a game-changing milestone. It is an investment for disaster relief but more importantly for recovery here in South Carolina and more importantly here in Lake City,” said Don Graves, U.S. Deputy Commerce Secretary.
Graves joined Rep. Jim Clyburn in presenting Lake City Mayor Yamekia Robinson with the check on Wednesday.
“These things require collaboration. People need to be working together to accentuate each other,” said Clyburn.
The Acline Stormwater Project is expected to increase the overall capacity of the inadequate storm drainage system and install a system in underserved areas.
South Carolina chipped in $1 million along with $300,000 from Lake City.
There are 19 streets in the projected impact area including North and South Acline Streets, which can bear the brunt of flooding during and after any storm.
Joe McGee, longtime owner of Joe’s Barbershop on Main Street, said the flooding affects his business and customers.
“That water gets really really deep and we have more than a few customers complaining about the water sometimes,” said McGee.
After dealing with the persistent issue, McGee is glad the city has an opportunity to do something about it.
“I think it’s a good thing,” he said. “Because when there is a whole lot of rain the streets really get flooded you know. This is a long overdue.”
The project is funded through the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023, which allocated over $450 million in funds to the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program.
Lake City has more than 6,000 residents, with the community continuing to grow as new development projects proceed.
At this time it is unclear when construction will get underway.
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