Lake Marion water system to get $10M; Clyburn: System will provide safe water in region

The Army Corps of Engineers will provide $10 million for the expansion of the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency’s water lines, U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn announced on Tuesday.

“I am pleased by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announcement today of an additional $9.63 million for the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency,” Clyburn said in a prepared statement.

“These funds were provided in the omnibus appropriations bill I was pleased to help pass in December,” he said.

The Corps is providing the money toward construction of the Orangeburg-Berkeley branch of the water system. The branch is a 16-mile stretch going from Holly Hill to the intersection of U.S. Highway 176 and S.C. Highway 311.

Clyburn said, “Today’s announcement will allow construction of the first phase of the Orangeburg-Berkeley reach.

“This significant investment will provide large quantities of safe drinking water to water deserts, providing those communities with clean drinking water, enhanced fire suppression and better opportunities for economic growth. This funding builds on my 26-year effort to bring potable water, a better quality of life and more economic investments to counties along the I-95 corridor.”

The Lake Marion Regional Water System was formed to help bring clean, quality water to parts of Berkeley, Calhoun, Dorchester and Orangeburg counties and the Town of Santee. Santee Cooper runs the water plant near Santee.

Lake Marion Regional Water Agency Chairman Johnnie Wright said he was ecstatic and grateful to hear about the money.

“This means a whole lot to the Orangeburg-Berkeley reach,” Wright said.

Expanding the water system will allow more customers to join, lowering the overall cost of water for all customers, he said. In addition, the extension will allow the region to have ample water for future growth without pulling from the groundwater.

Wright added, “Thank you to Congressman Clyburn and all of the South Carolina delegation. I really appreciate their collective effort in getting that money.”

Wright is also chairman of Orangeburg County Council.