BAMBERG COUNTY, S.C. () – Bamberg County will be receiving money to help with the improvement of the county’s flooding issues.

According to county administrators, Bamberg County was awarded an $856,000 grant from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (SCIRA), and the grant funds will be used to construct stormwater improvements in heavy flood zones.

Bamberg County officials state that in 2014, the county endured multiple major weather events, including Tropical Storms Debby and Helene, which produced severe flooding that made Highway U.S. 301 and nearby roads impassable, and as a result, county residents’ access to important public services was significantly diminished.

County administrators say the impacted area falls in the Bamberg Historic District and is within half a mile of two schools; thus, the proposed improvements are even more critical to avoid water damage to historic structures and maintain access to the area.

Officials add that the emergency improvements are needed to avoid additional financial impacts from flooding and ensure access to critical County services and local schools, and to avoid future flood events, administrators say that the emergency SC RIA State Grant funds will be used to construct enhancements to the existing stormwater system, with a focus on additional inlets and pipe capacity.

According to administrators, improvements will occur in the city of Bamberg, which is the County Seat, and near Bamberg County Administration buildings such as the Courthouse, Courthouse Annex, Sheriff’s Office, and Emergency Services Department.

County officials state that construction is expected to begin in the Fall of 2025 and should take approximately nine months to complete.