Dorchester seeks state CDBG funds to upgrade water lines in Stratton Capers neighborhood; public comment period open

Dorchester County staff told the council on March 17 they plan to apply to the South Carolina Department of Commerce for approximately $1 million in fiscal year 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to upgrade water lines in the Stratton Capers neighborhood.

County planning staff described the project as a continuation of a prior CDBG-funded phase. The proposed phase 2 work would replace about 2,500 linear feet of water main with an 8‑inch line, add four fire hydrants and increase system capacity for fire protection. Staff said the grant would cover construction costs and the county would provide a 10% match, primarily through in‑kind engineering services.

Public outreach and required income surveys are underway. Staff reported 65 eligible low‑ and moderate‑income units within the proposed project area (representing 57 properties, some with multiple units) and said survey results so far indicate roughly 82% of surveyed units meet the low/moderate threshold; staff expects to finish required surveys and finalize the application ahead of the April submission deadlines.

Staff opened a 14‑day public comment period on the draft community needs assessment through April 1 and said the formal CDBG application will be filed by April 21 after a required public hearing at the April 7 council meeting. County staff also reported recommended additions to the needs assessment including energy-efficiency/weatherization and pedestrian/public-safety items (streetlights, sidewalks, crosswalks) to broaden eligibility for future funding rounds.

Residents from Stratton Capers and Dorchester Manor spoke in support during the public hearing; Chantelle Broughton, president of the Dorchester Manor Neighborhood Association, thanked county staff for outreach. The county will finalize its application in the coming weeks and return for formal public hearing and council approval prior to submission.