Cayce City Officials Race to Secure $10 Million Flood Mitigation Grant Before Deadline

Cayce Faces Deadline for Flooding Grant Agreement

In the charming city of Cayce, just across the river from downtown Columbia, a tight deadline is looming. Local officials are racing against the clock to secure a deal that could unlock a substantial $10 million grant aimed at tackling significant flooding issues in one of the city’s notable neighborhoods.

The Urgency of the Situation

During a special meeting held on Wednesday, Cayce’s City Council took a critical step by approving an agreement to purchase an easement from the Congaree Bluff subdivision. This easement is essential for moving forward with a vital stormwater and drainage project in the Avenues neighborhood. The city’s staff has until September 19 to finalize the agreement with the homeowners’ association, and time is of the essence.

The $10 million grant was awarded to Cayce in June 2023, thanks to the S.C. Infrastructure Investment Plan, which is overseen by the state’s Rural Infrastructure Authority. Mayor Elise Partin expressed a sense of urgency to provide the authority with an update, indicating that the city was on track to meet the grant’s requirements.

Progress on Engineering and Construction Challenges

Deputy City Manager Michael Conley shared reassuring news, stating that about 60% of the engineering work has already been completed. However, he also highlighted the critical need for several easements to transport water pipes to the river. “We have some right-of-way and some easements to get,” he noted, emphasizing the pressing need to get construction started.

With the grant’s terms dictating that all funds must be spent by December 2026, Cayce must efficiently move forward with the project as planned. If any amendments are required, it could complicate timelines. “We need to secure this easement to proceed as intended,” Conley added.

Tackling Long-standing Issues

Localized flooding has long plagued the Avenues neighborhood, and Cayce city officials have recognized the need for a comprehensive solution. Previously, a $750,000 grant helped address a portion of these issues, but the $10 million will allow for a city-wide approach to improve overall drainage. The project encompasses an area from 12th Street to the Congaree River, between Knox Abbott Drive and Holland Avenue.

Mayor Partin stressed that addressing these long-standing infrastructure challenges in a historically underserved area has been difficult, particularly since Cayce operates with the lowest tax rates among local stakeholders. “We’ve got to figure out how we navigate decades-old infrastructure issues,” she stated.

Internal Strife Amid Progress

Mayor Pro Tem Tim James. “I have no respect for Tim James,” she admitted, indicating that their working relationship complicates ongoing discussions.

In response, James, who is also the president of the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce, clarified his cautious stance regarding governmental overreach. “I’ve always been very vocal about making sure that if we ever have to be viewed as overreaching, that we have done everything possible to work with the citizens,” he remarked.

City Councilman Hunter Sox defended the collaboration with residents, emphasizing that discussions about drainage issues had been ongoing and productive. “We’re confident that staff and the homeowners’ association are working well together,” he asserted.

Looking Ahead

Councilman Sox reflected on the need for earlier discussions on such critical matters. “It’s going to affect people all the way up the Avenues that have had drainage issues,” he noted, underlining the importance of community involvement throughout the process.

As Cayce grapples with the need to secure vital agreements and tackle its flooding issues, the city stands at a crucial juncture. With the clock ticking down to finalize necessary agreements, the hope remains that this vibrant community can overcome its challenges and secure a better future for its residents.