FOUNTAIN INN, S.C. — Construction has officially started on critical stormwater infrastructure improvements in north Laurens County, the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) announced this week. The project focuses on replacing undersized culverts and upgrading drainage systems along Chapman Road and the Sullivan Road crossing to better manage stormwater runoff.
“The project’s start marks an important step in protecting our residents and roadways,” said Melissa D. Ferqueron, Laurens County Interim Administrator. “Effectively managing stormwater is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety of our residents. Storm events as recent as Hurricane Helene have demonstrated the necessity of building infrastructure that is adequately suited to address future hazards we may face.”
The Stormwater Improvement Project will replace the existing Chapman Road culvert, which cannot accommodate projected stormwater levels. Improvements include grading, drainage enhancements, paving, and culvert installation to reduce flooding, roadway closures, and stream bank erosion in the area. Additional upgrades are underway at the Sullivan Road crossing, which has also been prone to flooding.
The project’s design, engineering, and construction are funded in part by a $1,576,005 award from SCOR’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Stormwater Infrastructure Program (ASIP). Laurens County is contributing a $161,268 cost share to support the initiative.
“Investing in stormwater infrastructure is essential for safeguarding our communities and ensuring resilience against extreme weather events,” said a SCOR spokesperson.
Stream crossings in northern Laurens County have historically experienced regular flooding, causing damage to roads and surrounding environments. The upgraded culverts and drainage improvements are expected to significantly reduce flood risk, improve public safety, and enhance local transportation reliability.
Construction is anticipated to last six to eight months, with crews coordinating work to minimize disruption to traffic and residents. Officials note that once complete, the project will provide long-term resilience against future storm events and support the county’s ongoing infrastructure modernization efforts.
“This project demonstrates the power of state and local collaboration to strengthen our infrastructure and protect our communities,” Ferqueron added.
Originally reported by Mary Kate Howland in Fox Carolina.
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