Batesburg-Leesville reviews priorities after $8 million Safe Streets grant from US DOT

Jamie Kendrick, a consultant with Wood Valley Strategies, told the Batesburg‑Leesville council that a small initial investment helped the town secure a major federal award and asked for council direction on which projects to pursue.

“From that small, you know, $24,000 investment, Batesburg got ahead of, frankly, much of the rest of the state and secured an $8 million construction grant from US DOT,” Kendrick said, describing the Safe Streets for All award and the grant’s focus on reducing serious injuries and fatalities.

The presentation outlined a set of priority projects the consultant and his engineering partners recommend using the federal funds for: improvements to the Lee Street corridor (realignment, sidewalks and gateway treatments); a roundabout near the middle school to reduce speeds and U‑turns; sidewalks and pedestrian connections tying Mitchell Street to Raven and the Walmart area; and a package of lower‑cost, quick‑build improvements such as rumble strips, high‑visibility crosswalks and rapid flashing beacons.

Kendrick said some projects will require coordination with South Carolina Department of Transportation and neighboring Lexington County, and that certain rural‑road items originally conceived to be handed to DOT may ultimately be repurposed for more town‑focused work if state acceptance is delayed. He said heavier construction likely will not begin before early 2028 and that the grant must be spent by the end of 2030 with a closeout period into 2031.

Council members pressed on the local match and budget exposure. Discussion in the session put a 20% local match into the ballpark — roughly $1.6 million — though Kendrick and staff said they were exploring other funding sources, including the Rural Infrastructure Authority and county C‑fund allocations, to limit use of the town’s general fund.

The presentation also prioritized ‘‘quick wins’’ that could demonstrate near‑term value to residents while larger projects move through design and permitting: rumble strips (discussed at about $1,000 per location), high‑visibility crosswalk restriping (in the $8,000–$10,000 range for some intersections), and solar rapid‑flashing beacons (estimated $12,000–$15,000 per location). Kendrick said the team would look for projects that deliver safety co‑benefits — such as stormwater improvements or local contracting opportunities — alongside traffic safety gains.

Kendrick recommended packaging and procurement strategies (design‑build, bundling projects) to help reduce inflation exposure during the multi‑year delivery cycle. He asked council for informal consensus that the identified priorities were “on the right track” and said hard copies of plans would be circulated.

Next steps: staff and the consultant will return with refined cost estimates, priority recommendations and a proposed project packaging approach for council consideration. The council did not take a formal vote on any motion during the presentation; it provided direction for staff to continue working with SC DOT, the county and potential funding partners.