Florence to use $5.1 million state resiliency grant for Pennsylvania Street stormwater work, city says construction to start this month

The Florence City Council authorized City Manager Scottie Davis to execute an amended subrecipient agreement with the South Carolina Office of Resilience that increases the stormwater subaward for the Pennsylvania Street watershed to $5,100,000.

Clint (city staff) explained that the city originally received roughly $2.6 million in 2023 and an additional $300,000 in 2024; after bidding the project the lowest construction bid required extra funding, and the Office of Resilience agreed to increase the award to cover the contract. Staff said a pre-construction meeting will be held in the week of the 21st of the month and crews will mobilize shortly afterward.

Council members asked for location and schedule details. Staff described the Pennsylvania Street watershed as northwest of the city center, noted the project area from Darlington Street north to Harmony Street, and said the design and permitting work has proceeded for roughly two years, including DOT permitting and easement work. The city said the contractor aims to complete the project well before an April deadline tied to grant obligations and that work should finish in early 2026 if schedules hold.

Staff also summarized stormwater investment overall: a 2021 stormwater bond of $7 million plus $14 million in grant funding the city has received brings roughly $21 million to stormwater work to date.

Ending: Council approved the amended agreement and staff said construction activity will begin within weeks; the project remains subject to contractor scheduling and material availability.