S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority awards Aiken $10 million for new water treatment plant

Matthew Christian, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

Apr. 25—The city of Aiken received the maximum allowable amount from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority for its planned water treatment plant Monday.

City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh announced the city had received $10 million during a budget work session Monday evening. He said he had received a text message from S.C. Sen. Tom Young, R-Aiken, five minutes before he told the city council.

Bedenbaugh said $10 million is the maximum allowed for a single project.

The water treatment plant is expected to be located across from the city's existing plant. Estimated costs are around $45 million.

Last year, the city received $4.5 million from the federal government via a request from U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., for the plant. The city also increased its water rates last year and plans to do so this year — the increase will be around 7% — to provide more funding for the plant.

A construction timeline is unknown.

However, Bedenbaugh said one factor in the Rural Infrastructure Authority's decision to award $10 million was the project's shovel-readiness .

He asked Engineering and Utilities Director Mike Pryzbylowicz if the city could begin construction by 2026.

Pryzbylowicz replied in the affirmative.

Other funding approved by the Rural Infrastructure Authority includes:

—$9.85 million to Aiken County for upgrades at the Horse Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant;

—$9.22 million to the Valley Public Services Authority for sewage system improvements;

—$7.66 million to North Augusta for sewer rehabilitation;

—$5.94 million to the Breezy Hill Water and Sewer Company for water treatment plant upgrades;

—$3.45 million to New Ellenton for water system improvements;

—$3.19 million to Jackson for water system improvements;

—$1.46 million to Burnettown for water system improvements; and

—$959,438 to Wagener for water treatment plant modifications.