S.C. Department of Commerce awards more than $7.9 million in Community Development Block Grant funds
Fifteen localities from around South Carolina are receiving community development grant funds totaling more than $7.9 million for public improvement projects. This funding comes from the South Carolina State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which biannually awards grants to aid municipal governments for the purpose of improving economic opportunities and meeting community revitalization needs.
The S.C. Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) awards the CDBG grants, which are selected through a statewide competitive process, each fall and spring. S.C. Commerce received nearly 30 grant applications, representing almost triple the amount of available funds, for the fall 2023 grant cycle.
Projects receiving fall 2023 CDBG funding will directly benefit 91,575 residents and total $7,924,593. The projects, which fall within one of three categories, are listed below.
| COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT | ||
| City of Clemson | Abel Road/Curtis Circle Sidewalk Improvements | $750,000 |
| City of Greenwood | Waller Avenue Streetscape Improvements | $750,000 |
| Greenwood County | DSS Building Renovation | $1,278,510 |
| City of Lancaster | E. Arch Area Sidewalk Improvements | $750,000 |
| Town of Ninety Six | Community Center Demolition | $324,600 |
| Town of Pacolet | Drainage Study | $50,000 |
| Town of Port Royal | Paris Avenue Streetscape Improvements | $750,000 |
| Union County | Bonham Fire Truck | $750,000 |
| City of Westminster | Main/Retreat Streetscape Improvements | $750,000 |
| LOCAL PRIORITIES | ||
| Town of Gifford | Winthrop Park Improvements | $74,800 |
| Town of Hampton | Dave Daniels Park Improvements | $270,000 |
| Town of Heath Springs | Park Improvements | $300,000 |
| Lancaster County | Park Improvements - Phase I | $300,000 |
| Town of Scotia | Park Improvements | $76,683 |
| NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION | ||
| Town of Cheraw | Agerton Neighborhood Revitalization | $750,000 |
“The nearly record number of applicants in this funding cycle speaks to the incredible impact of the funding opportunities available through the CDBG program,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “These projects benefit residents throughout South Carolina and effectively support the advancement and sustainability of communities of every size.”
Local governments receiving CDBG funds are required to provide at least a 10% match in funding to complete the projects, and all grants awarded through the program must meet at least one of three objectives:
- Benefit low- to moderate-income persons.
- Aid in the prevention or elimination of slum and blighted conditions.
- Meet other urgent community needs where existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to public health and welfare and where other financial resources are not readily available to meet such needs.
Grant funds are allocated on an annual basis to South Carolina from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and S.C. Commerce administers the CDBG program on the state's behalf. For additional information on South Carolina's State CDBG program, including application guidelines, objectives and frequently asked questions, please visit www.cdbgsc.com.