Florence lines up infrastructure projects

FLORENCE, S.C. The bidding is open for initial work on more than $27 million in infrastructure projects in Florence, including two parking decks, an amenities feature, a gymnasium and road improvements.

Part new penny sales tax projects and part Tax Increment Funding (TIF) projects, as a whole they represent the citys aggressive commitment to solidify downtown revitalization with infrastructure.

The corridor enhancements, intersection improvements and road widening projects totaling an estimated $19,714,375 represents the bulk of the citys penny sales tax projects that will be funded through a $125 million bond expected in April. That $125 million bond will be paid down over seven years thanks to the 1 percent sales tax, keeping the county rate 8 percent through April 30, 2021.

The city is leading the charge in the county with moving forward on its penny projects.

Florence Mayor Stephen J. Wukela said the projects need to get moving to meet current and future needs.

Were getting ready to get the Waters building open and the museum open, Wukela said. If we get in a situation where we start having very serious parking problems, we may inhibit growth down there.

The projects also include road widening projects near the Florence Civic Center, neighborhoods and major road arteries.

The scope of work does not include $5 million worth of street work under the penny sales tax, though. Florence City Manager Drew Griffin said those improvements will go forward, but will do so in coordination with the citys forthcoming neighborhood redevelopment plan.

The Dargan Street corridor project is a penny sales tax project, but is paired with the parking decks since the projects are interconnected.

It is apparent that Dargan (Street) is a very important corridor for downtown from north Dargan to all the way to Cherokee and library. Thats a very important corridor, Griffin said. From the standpoint of pedestrian friendly and movement, it needs to be the most friendly. We have the library, the (Florence) Little Theatre, the Performing Arts Center, adult education associated with (Florence) School District 1 and the museum on it.

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Florence lines up infrastructure projects