Lake City Awarded $13.5 Million for Acline Stormwater Drainage Project

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a $13.5 million grant to Lake City, South Carolina, for the Acline Stormwater Drainage project. The announcement took place on August 28, 2024, and began with a bus tour of the affected areas. Business owners, residents, and city workers participated in the tour to showcase the impact of recurrent flooding issues in the city. A meeting at O.T. Hall followed the tour, where city workers and residents gathered to mark the significant moment for the town.

The $13.5 million grant, presented by the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, is aimed at improving Lake City's resilience to storms and natural disasters. The Acline Stormwater Drainage project focuses on upgrading the storm drainage system in the city, addressing inadequate drainage in the city center to prevent repeated flooding and reduce damage to businesses, homes, and public infrastructure.

The project will enhance drainage on 19 streets throughout Lake City, including S. Acline St., N. Acline St., Retha Dr., Lance Ave., N. McAllister St., John St., Florence Ave., Wilcox St., Wilbur St., W. Thomas St., Moore St., Marilyn St., Cash Ave., Beauregard St., Calhoun St., Tasks Ln., Jackson St., Lee St., and Epps St.

This project represents a critical development for Lake City, as it will address long-standing issues with stormwater management and provide greater protection for the community against future storms.