Cayce Faces Urgency in Securing $10 Million Flood Relief Grant
In the charming city of Cayce, located just across the river from downtown Columbia, the local government is racing against the clock to complete a critical deal that could determine the future of its flood management efforts. The stakes are high, as the city works to secure a $10 million grant aimed at addressing long-standing flooding issues in one of its key neighborhoods – the Avenues.
Key Steps in the Grant Process
During a special meeting on Wednesday, the Cayce City Council took a significant step by approving an agreement to purchase an easement from the Congaree Bluff subdivision. This easement is essential for the implementation of a large-scale stormwater and drainage project, bringing the city one step closer to alleviating various flooding challenges that have plagued the area.
City officials are aware that they must finalize the agreement with the homeowners’ association by September 19. This deadline is crucial since the city received the grant through the S.C. Infrastructure Investment Plan, which is overseen by the state’s Rural Infrastructure Authority, back in June 2023.
The Rush for Compliance
Cayce’s Mayor, Elise Partin, is keenly aware of the importance of staying on track. She stated that an update was required for the authority by Thursday to confirm that they are making progress on the project. That made the special meeting all the more necessary. In the words of Deputy City Manager Michael Conley, “We are about 60% in on the engineering,” highlighting the urgency that comes as the team works to finalize easements and other necessary rights-of-way.
The pressure is mounting as the terms of the grant mandate that all funds be used by December 2026, with projects required to be completed as initially submitted. Any delays in obtaining the necessary easements could lead to complications, resulting in potential amendments that could slow down the process.
Addressing Flooding Problems Head-On
Localized flooding has become a recurring issue in the Avenues neighborhood, making this project even more essential. Regarding the ongoing concerns, Conley noted that prior funding of $750,000 had already tackled a smaller portion of the flooding challenges, but the $10 million grant presents an opportunity to address the larger issues as the city extends its work from 12th Street to the Congaree River.
However, funding has proven to be an uphill battle. Mayor Partin shared her frustration regarding securing the Congaree Bluff easement, especially since Cayce, as the lowest-taxing entity among the involved counties and state, faces additional hurdles in addressing long-standing infrastructure problems.
City Council Tensions Rise
Unfortunately, tensions within the City Council have surfaced. Disagreements, particularly with Mayor Pro Tem Tim James, have complicated matters even further. Mayor Partin expressed her frustrations, admitting, “I have no respect for Tim James,” which certainly adds a layer of complexity to future negotiations.
James, however, defended his stance, emphasizing his caution against government overreach and the importance of working closely with residents before considering alternatives like eminent domain. He stated, “I’ve always been very cautious of an overreach of government,” stressing the need for a balanced approach to difficult situations.
Community Engagement and Future Steps
Councilman Hunter Sox echoed these thoughts, highlighting the need for better communication with residents. He stated he had been proactive in engaging with neighbors regarding drainage issues. He noted, “We’re pretty confident…that we’ll be able to get the votes so we can come to a decision.”
This situation serves as a reminder of the need for early and clear discussions on such important issues, as Cayce navigates its way through a timeframe that’s pressing but full of opportunity for positive change in a community long affected by flooding. Cayce residents are eagerly waiting to see the outcome of these negotiations, hoping for a brighter and drier future.
