Walhalla receives CDBG Grant of $387,747

The City of Walhalla is one of 24 communities across South Carolina that will benefit from improvement projects supported by more than $9.9 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The South Carolina Department of Commerce announces it will award $387,747 in CDBG funds to the City of Walhalla for the Chicopee Mill Village phase II water upgrade.  The Town of Central was also awarded $79,000 in CDBG funds for water upgrades at James Circle. Selected through a statewide competitive process, communities receiving CDBG funding are required to provide at least 10 percent matching funds. To secure grant funding, communities must demonstrate how they will use grant funds to ensure healthy and safe neighborhoods. “The CDBG program consistently has a positive impact on South Carolina’s communities,” said Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt. “The program provides funding for community development, stronger infrastructure and improvements to state residents’ quality of life. This helps all aspects of South Carolina’s success, including business recruitment and jobs.” Approximately 64 percent of those benefiting from the improvements are in low- to moderate-income communities. Existing sewer systems in 12 communities are deteriorated, unreliable or malfunctioning. The upgrades will eliminate overflows and backups, replace unsafe equipment, make the systems DHEC compliant and make it safe for area residents. Existing water systems will be upgraded in nine communities to improve water pressure, quality and fire protection, as well as ensure a safe source of drinking water for local families. All grants awarded through the CDBG program must meet at least one of three objectives: Benefit low and moderate income persons. Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blighting conditions. Meet other urgent community development 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. The grants funds are allocated annually to South Carolina from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Department of Commerce administers the CDBG program for South Carolina. CDBG assists communities in providing housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities. Grants are awarded to local governments.