A $10 million grant secured by Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) from the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP) is leading to an improved sewer system for the towns of Pelzer and West Pelzer.
Two phases of work will take place in the towns through 2026. The South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) awarded the federally funded SCIIP grant.
The announcement was made Friday as part of a ribbon cutting ceremony held at the Pelzer gym where ReWa representatives, local officials and others gathered to celebrate the start of the projects.
A rehabilitation phase, which includes cleaning and inspecting nearly 16,000 feet of sewer main to identify repairs has already begun. The next phase will involve relocating and replacing almost 9,200 linear feet of sewer line, installing 63 manholes and replacing 93 service lines.
Work will also include boring under CSX Corp.’s track beds in three locations.
“Pelzer and West Pelzer have a rich history, and we appreciate the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority’s investment in both communities,” ReWa CEO Joel Jones said. “The work we’re undertaking supports efforts by people in Pelzer and West Pelzer who are honoring legacy while focused on the future.”
ReWa Board member Emily DeRoberts said the project is the result of leadership and persistance of local officials and ReWa and will increase the quality of life in Pelzer and West Pelzer.
According to Angie Price, ReWa Technical Services/Engineering, Pelzer, founded in the 1880s, and West Pelzer, established in the early 1900s, were textile villages.
“Like many Upstate textile villages, sewer service lines were built after mills were established when sewer service became available. Lines were often built in backyards because there was more room to dig, it was cost-effective and there were fewer disruptions to streets and walkways.”
Price said the project will be done in two phases. The first phase currently underway will be cleaning and inspecting the lines. Later in the spring, Phase 2 will include relocating lines, replacing and adding manholes and replacing service laterals. “Relocating lines will increase capacity and improve access for utility workers”, she said.
The two-phase project will run through 2026.
“This investment will have a transformational impact on the future of these communities,” said Bonnie Ammons, executive director of the RIA. “By modernizing and upgrading critical sewer infrastructure, we are improving services to residents and businesses and putting these communities in a position to prosper.”
“It is comforting knowing ReWa is taking care of a priority need of the Town of West Pelzer,” said West Pelzer Mayor James Riddle. “I am excited about their next project to further serve our community.”
Pelzer Mayor Will Ragland said the project supports ongoing efforts. “We know this town’s potential,” Ragland said. “We have a rich history, woven from a mill town heritage, and now are poised for the new growth coming our way. This upgrade of our sewer system comes at the perfect time to ensure we have the infrastructure to achieve Pelzer’s potential. For this, we are grateful and excited.”
State House District 9 Representative Blake Sanders also spoke during the announcement.
RIA has awarded $1.369 billion in SCIIP funding to more than 200 communities across the state to improve drinking water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure.
CHA Consulting is the engineering design firm contracted for the Pelzer and West Pelzer project, and North American Pipeline Management is the contractor for the rehabilitation and relocation phases of the project.
Since 1925, Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) has been committed to providing high-quality wastewater services to the Upstate of South Carolina while providing a cleaner environment, protecting public health and sustaining community. With nine water resource recovery facilities and more than 430 miles of pipe, ReWa serves a broad geographic area, including Greenville County and portions of Anderson, Laurens, Pickens and Spartanburg counties. Each day an estimated 44 million gallons of water passes through trunk lines and reclamation facilities before being cleaned and returned to area rivers and streams.
Mayors ready for sewer project
Pelzer Mayor Will Ragland (l) and West Pelzer Mayor Jim Riddle (r) participated in a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the announcement by Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) of a $10 million sewer upgrade project in Pelzer and West Pelzer. A sewer manhole connector was on display and signed by those in attendance.
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ReWa holds ribbon cutting for new projects
A $10 million grant secured by Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) from the South Carolina Infrastructure Investment Program (SCIIP) is providing funding for improved sewer systems in Pelzer and West Pelzer. The announcement was made Friday as part of a ribbon cutting ceremony held at the Pelzer gym where ReWa representatives, local officials and others gathered to celebrate the start of the projects.
