FY27 Community Project Funding

Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

Project Name: City of Dillon Crown Court Sewer Rehabilitation Project
Project Recipient: City of Dillon
Recipient’s Address: 401 West Main Street, Dillon, South Carolina 29536
Amount Requested: $800,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to replace an aging lift pump station in the City of Dillon with modern infrastructure, including a new wet well, manhole, and safety upgrades. The current system is outdated and prone to mechanical failures, increasing the risk of service disruptions, sewer overflows, and environmental contamination—especially in a low- and moderate-income community. Upgrading to modern equipment will improve reliability, ensure compliance with environmental standards, and reduce long-term maintenance costs while protecting public health and local waterways. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funding because it protects public health, prevents costly emergency repairs, and ensures reliable wastewater service for residents.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: Clio Rural Fire Department Fire Station Replacement Project
Project Recipient: Clio Rural Fire Department
Recipient’s Address: 2008 Highway 381 South, Clio, South Carolina 29525
Amount Requested: $2,800,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to construct a new fire station for the Clio Rural Fire Department, providing adequate space to house multiple fire apparatus and support emergency operations. The current facility is outdated and limited, restricting response capabilities and impacting emergency response times in a rural, underserved area. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funding because it improves response times, enhances firefighter readiness, protects critical equipment, and strengthens public safety while helping reduce long-term costs and supporting reliable emergency services for the community.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: Sandhill Volunteer Fire Department Training Center Project
Project Recipient: Sandhill Volunteer Fire Department
Recipient’s Address: 112 E Miller St, Jefferson, South Carolina 29718
Amount Requested: $1,000,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to support the acquisition of a centralized training and emergency response facility for the Sandhill Volunteer Fire Department, expanding capacity for firefighter training, fire truck storage, and disaster operations. The department currently operates out of limited space, restricting its ability to train personnel and coordinate regional response efforts. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funding because it strengthens emergency preparedness, improves response coordination, and provides a reliable facility for sheltering and disaster operations—helping protect lives and property across Chesterfield County and the surrounding region.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: Town of Society Hill Police Department Law Enforcement Upgrades
Project Recipient: Society Hill Police Department
Recipient’s Address: 280 South Main St, Society Hill, South Carolina 29593
Amount Requested: $100,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to replace an aging police vehicle and upgrade equipment for the Society Hill Police Department, including modern in-car camera systems and speed detection technology. The current vehicle is costly to maintain and creates operational risks, limiting the department’s ability to respond effectively. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funding because it improves reliability, enhances officer safety and accountability, and strengthens public safety without placing additional financial burden on a small, rural community.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

Project Name: City of Conway Water Storage System Improvements
Project Recipient: City of Conway
Recipient’s Address: 229 Main Street, Conway, South Carolina 29526
Amount Requested: $5,613,600

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to address overcapacity in Conway’s western water system and restore consistent, reliable water pressure for residents, particularly in areas near SC Hwy 905. By stabilizing pressure, the project will reduce main breaks, leaks, and emergency repairs while lowering long-term operating costs. This is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because it protects public health by preventing contamination risks, ensures reliable water service for homes and businesses, and strengthens system capacity for emergencies and public safety.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: City of Darlington Force Main Replacement Project
Project Recipient: City of Darlington
Recipient’s Address: 400 Pearl Street, Darlington, South Carolina 29532
Amount Requested: $600,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to replace a failing sanitary sewer force main in Darlington that has experienced repeated breaks due to age and corrosion, causing overflows and requiring costly emergency repairs. The existing line serves approximately 6,000 residents and is a critical part of the city’s wastewater system, with recent failures posing risks to public health, property, and the environment. This is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because it prevents ongoing system failures, reduces costly emergency responses, protects residents and water quality, and ensures reliable infrastructure for the community.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: City of Florence Pine Street Water Plant Project
Project Recipient: City of Florence
Recipient’s Address: 324 West Evans Street, Florence, South Carolina 29501
Amount Requested: $10,000,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to modernize and rehabilitate the Pine Street Groundwater Treatment Plant in Florence by replacing aging infrastructure and upgrading critical components such as pumps, controls, and filtration systems. The facility, originally built in 1959, is a key source of drinking water for residents and the McLeod Health hospital system and has faced reliability challenges during severe weather events. These improvements will strengthen system resilience, ensure compliance with water quality standards, and support consistent service. This is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because it protects public health, supports critical healthcare infrastructure, and ensures reliable access to safe drinking water for the region.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: Town of Chesterfield Sewer Improvements
Project Recipient: Town of Chesterfield
Recipient’s Address: 112 Main Street, Chesterfield, South Carolina 29709
Amount Requested: $6,000,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to rehabilitate Chesterfield’s wastewater infrastructure, including sewer lines, manholes, and lift stations, to reduce infiltration and inflow that are driving up costs and straining the system. These improvements will increase efficiency, lower long-term operating expenses, and help prevent system failures and costly emergency repairs. This is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because it protects public health and water quality, ensures reliable infrastructure, and reduces financial burden on residents in a small rural community.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

Project Name: Catfish Canal Public Waterway Channel Improvement Project
Project Recipient: South Carolina Office of Resilience
Recipient’s Address: 632 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Amount Requested: $1,358,640

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to support the Catfish Canal Public Waterway Channel Improvement Project by restoring wetlands and stream functions through natural channel design to improve the floodplain and reduce flooding in the City of Marion. The project targets a priority drainage issue identified in the county’s stormwater master plan and will benefit nearby homes and businesses by reducing surface and riverine flooding. This is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because it mitigates flood risk, protects property, improves water quality, and delivers long-term environmental and community benefits.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: Florence Regional Airport Passenger Terminal Rehab & TSA Required Upgrades Project
Project Recipient: Pee Dee Regional Airport District
Recipient’s Address: 2100 Terminal Drive, Florence, South Carolina 29506
Amount Requested: $15,000,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to modernize the airport terminal by upgrading critical systems including HVAC, electrical, lighting, IT, and security, while expanding space to accommodate updated TSA screening equipment. The current 33-year-old facility has aging infrastructure that limits efficiency, creates operational bottlenecks, and cannot support growing passenger demand or expanded air service. These improvements will enhance safety, improve passenger flow, and strengthen the airport’s role as a regional transportation hub. This is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because it supports economic growth, improves infrastructure reliability, enhances security, and ensures the airport can meet current and future demand.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: I-73 Right-of-Way Acquisition for the Horry County Corridor Project
Project Recipient: Horry County Government
Recipient’s Address: 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, South Carolina 29526
Amount Requested: $7,500,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to advance the development of the I-73 corridor, providing the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area with its first direct connection to the national interstate system. Rapid population growth and increased tourism have strained existing roads like US-501 and US-17, creating congestion and limiting safe evacuation routes. This project will improve traffic flow, enhance hurricane evacuation capacity for residents and visitors, and support economic growth by strengthening connections to national markets. This is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because it improves public safety, reduces congestion, supports commerce, and ensures the region’s infrastructure can keep pace with continued growth.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

Project Name: Bennettsville Police Department Equipment and Technology Upgrades Project
Project Recipient: Bennettsville Police Department
Recipient’s Address: 254 US 15-401 Bypass E, Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512
Amount Requested: $250,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to upgrade the Bennettsville Police Department’s communication equipment by purchasing 25 dual-band portable radios, along with essential accessories and deployment support, ensuring seamless communication across local, county, and state systems. The department’s current system has not been upgraded since 2004 and no longer meets modern standards, creating risks of communication failures, limited coverage, and delays during critical incidents. Modernizing this equipment will improve reliability, strengthen coordination among first responders, enhance response times, and reduce long-term maintenance costs. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funding because it improves interoperability across agencies, strengthens emergency response capabilities, enhances officer and public safety, and ensures the community is better protected during emergencies.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: City of Hartsville Police Department Vehicles Project
Project Recipient: City of Hartsville
Recipient’s Address: 100 E. Carolina Ave., Hartsville, South Carolina 29551
Amount Requested: $500,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to replace aging patrol vehicles for the Hartsville Police Department, ensuring officers have reliable, mission-critical equipment to support daily operations and emergency response. Upgrading the fleet will reduce maintenance costs, improve reliability, and prevent service disruptions, allowing officers—including School Resource Officers—to respond quickly, maintain a visible presence, and engage proactively with the community. These vehicles will also enhance coordination with partner agencies across Darlington County, strengthening overall response capabilities. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funding because it improves officer and public safety, reduces long-term maintenance costs, enhances law enforcement effectiveness, and ensures efficient use of resources by replacing an aging fleet with dependable equipment.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: City of Marion TDMA Radio Upgrade Project
Project Recipient: City of Marion
Recipient’s Address: 107 S. Main Street, Marion, South Carolina 29571
Amount Requested: $460,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to replace obsolete radios for the City of Marion Police Department with TDMA-compliant equipment required to operate on South Carolina’s Palmetto 800 public safety communications system. This investment will ensure that law enforcement personnel can maintain seamless communication with one another and with surrounding jurisdictions, preserving interoperability and coordination during emergencies and daily operations. Without this upgrade, the City risks losing reliable access to the state’s primary communications network, creating serious public safety risks and potential communication failures during critical incidents. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funding because it strengthens emergency response capabilities, preserves interoperability across agencies, avoids more costly future system replacements, and ensures a rural, resource-constrained community can maintain reliable, modern communications to protect public safety.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: City of Myrtle Beach Police Gunshot Detection Expansion Project
Project Recipient: Myrtle Beach Police Department
Recipient’s Address: 1101 North Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
Amount Requested: $710,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to expand the Myrtle Beach Police Department’s gunshot detection system, leveraging proven technology to provide precise, real-time intelligence that improves response accuracy and supports proactive, data-driven policing. Expanding coverage will allow officers to quickly locate confirmed gunfire, reduce time spent on inconclusive calls, improve victim response, and increase the likelihood of evidence recovery and suspect apprehension. This investment enhances deployment efficiency by allowing law enforcement to focus resources where they are most needed, while reducing inefficiencies associated with repeated calls and unresolved incidents. This is a valuable use of taxpayer fundingbecause it improves public safety outcomes, increases law enforcement effectiveness, reduces long-term operational costs, and strengthens community confidence by delivering measurable, results-driven impact.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: Dillon County Sheriff's Office Vehicle and Equipment Upgrade
Project Recipient: Dillon County Sheriff's Office
Recipient’s Address: 1033 Old Latta Highway, Suite A, Dillon, South Carolina 29536
Amount Requested: $592,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to replace aging patrol vehicles and upgrade outdated communication systems for Dillon County law enforcement, ensuring deputies have the reliable tools needed for daily operations. New vehicles will improve response times, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance officer safety, while modern 800 MHz radios will strengthen communication clarity, interoperability, and real-time coordination during emergencies and high-risk incidents. In a jurisdiction with a high rate of violent crime, these upgrades are critical to maintaining a strong law enforcement presence and protecting the public. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funding because it improves response capabilities, enhances officer and community safety, reduces long-term operational costs, and strengthens overall law enforcement effectiveness.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: Florence County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Helicopter Project
Project Recipient: Florence County Sheriff's Office
Recipient’s Address: 6719 Friendfield Road, Effingham, South Carolina 29541
Amount Requested: $3,800,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to acquire and outfit a modern helicopter for the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, replacing an aging aircraft with updated aviation, communications, and safety technology. The current helicopter has obsolete components, limited payload capacity, and rising maintenance costs that reduce reliability and operational effectiveness. As one of the only aviation units in the region, the department provides critical aerial support across the Pee Dee for search and rescue, suspect location, disaster response, traffic enforcement, and drug interdiction, as well as multi-jurisdictional operations. Upgrading this asset will improve mission readiness, increase response speed, and enhance coordination during emergencies. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funding because it ensures reliable emergency response capabilities, strengthens regional public safety infrastructure, reduces long-term maintenance costs, and supports more effective law enforcement operations across multiple jurisdictions.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: Georgetown County Sheriff's Office Records Management and Archival Upgrades Project
Project Recipient: Georgetown County Sheriff's Office
Recipient’s Address: 430 North Fraser Street, Georgetown, South Carolina 29442
Amount Requested: $940,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to modernize the Sheriff’s Office records management system, replacing outdated and unsearchable records with a secure, accessible, and efficient digital system. This upgrade will allow deputies and investigators to quickly access critical information, connect related cases, identify crime trends, and improve case resolution times. It will also enhance evidence preservation, support timely legal and public records requests, and strengthen overall accountability and transparency. By eliminating duplicative systems and improving inventory tracking, the project will reduce administrative inefficiencies and lower long-term costs while enabling more proactive, data-driven policing. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funding because it improves public safety outcomes, strengthens law enforcement effectiveness, enhances accountability, and ensures resources are used efficiently and responsibly.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Project Name: Town of Nichols Public Safety Upgrades
Project Recipient: Town of Nichols
Recipient’s Address: 514 Mullins Street, Nichols, South Carolina 29581
Amount Requested: $209,961

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to equip the Nichols Police Department with license plate recognition (LPR) technology and protective vests, enhancing crime prevention capabilities and officer safety. LPR technology will allow officers to identify stolen vehicles, track known offenders, and detect criminal activity in real time, helping disrupt illegal activity along a major route to Myrtle Beach and strengthening regional enforcement efforts. This targeted investment expands the department’s capabilities without requiring ongoing operational funding, delivering long-term value for taxpayers while supporting a rural community still recovering from past flood impacts. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funding because it improves crime prevention, enhances officer safety, strengthens regional coordination, and delivers high-impact public safety benefits through a cost-effective, technology-driven investment.

Member Signed Certification Letter

Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies

Project Name: Grand Strand Offshore Sand Search Project
Project Recipient: US Army Corps of Engineers
Recipient’s Address: 69A Hagood Ave, Charleston, South Carolina, 29403
Amount Requested: $1,000,000

Purpose of Project: This funding will be used to support the Grand Strand Offshore Sand Search Project by conducting a study to identify a new offshore sand source for future beach renourishment efforts. The current borrow site is depleted, putting coastal communities like North Myrtle Beach at increased risk from storms, flooding, and erosion. This project will help ensure continued beach nourishment to protect property, infrastructure, and the local economy. This is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because it strengthens coastal resilience, safeguards billions in infrastructure, and helps protect communities from future storm damage.

Member Signed Certification Letter