The US Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the City of Florence for excellence and innovation within the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs by selecting the city for both a PISCES and AQUARIUS award.
The City of Florence has been recognized for its efforts in both the Clean Water and Drinking Water program when they worked with the Town of Timmonsville to stabilize the Timmonsville community, restore environmental quality, and support local business and residences through several infrastructure improvements.
Florence secured funding for the system improvements through a combination of city system revenues and three CWSRF loans totaling $8.5 million, with $1 million in principal forgiveness. CWSRF funded projects included: repairs and upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant; rehabilitation of sewer lines, manholes and pump stations; and installation of new sewer lines. These upgrades were accomplished while maintaining existing rate structures for both Florence and Timmonsville. This project is a great example of regulatory agencies, municipalities, and stakeholders coming together to solve a problem through the implementation of long-term solutions and cooperative finance programs.