Batesburg‑Leesville reviews $8 million Safe Streets implementation plan for sidewalks, intersections and traffic calming

Batesburg‑Leesville council members and staff spent a Feb. 26 work session reviewing how to implement an $8 million Safe Streets and Roads for All grant from the Federal Highway Administration, focusing on sidewalks, intersection improvements, neighborhood traffic calming and how to meet a 20% local match.

The grant is an implementation (phase 2) award following an earlier study, Jay (the town manager) told the council. Jamie Kendrick, a consultant with Wood Valley Strategies who helped write the application and advise on the project, described potential uses and timelines: sidewalks along key corridors, intersection work to frame future park projects and quick-build traffic-calming measures in neighborhoods.

Kendrick said the grant is intended to fund a range of safety and infrastructure work and that the town must sign a grant agreement with the Federal Highway Administration before spending significant funds. "There is a 20% matching requirement, which we know is a big slug for a small town," Kendrick said, adding that the town could spread project delivery over several years and pursue partnerships to meet the match.

Why it matters: the award would be one of the largest single infrastructure investments the town could direct at pedestrian connectivity and roadway safety, tying improvements to economic-development projects such as Woodard Park and to planned sidewalks along Church Street and Lee Street.

Key details and timeline

- Grant size and scope: Kendrick said the implementation grant totals roughly $8,000,000 for infrastructure work the town outlined in the application, including sidewalks, intersection framing and neighborhood traffic calming.

- M…