Уезд Дорчестер подал заявку на грант для завершения строительства тротуаров в районе Дорчестер-Манор

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCSC) — Dorchester County is applying for a grant to fund the second phase of a sidewalk project in the Dorchester Manor neighborhood, one year after the first phase received funding. County leaders are applying for a $750,000 grant through the South Carolina Department of Commerce Community development block grant to fund phase two of the project. An additional $350,000 would cover design, construction and grant administration, completing 100% of the funding needed. The county will match $400,000 of the grant funding. Once approved, the project will cost an estimated $1.1 million in total. The funding would go toward constructing about 4,500 feet of sidewalk along Dorchester Manor Boulevard and Cedar Grove Drive. The grant gives funding to governments on qualifying infrastructure projects. Project prioritized after safety concerns The county said the project became a high priority after residents raised concerns. “Last year, we updated our community needs assessment. At that time the neighborhood of Dorchester Manor reached out to the county and had a concern about public safety and the lack of sidewalks in the neighborhood,” Bryan Haver, Dorchester County’s assistant county administrator for community services, said. Residents said the safety concerns are for those ranging from children waiting for pickup to anyone walking in the neighborhood. Allen Garcia, a Dorchester Manor resident of four years, said the area near his home is a common place for parents to gather while waiting for children. “This is a very popular spot in this corner where they all congregate and meet, especially the parents, and I think having the sidewalk would be great for them to be just off of the street, especially with the traffic coming down this main area. There’s no speed bumps or anything like that,” Garcia said. Garcia also said the sidewalks would address issues with vehicles parking on residents’ lawns while waiting. “It’s huge. I know a lot of people I’ve seen in certain places like to keep off grass and things like that. So when cars are just parked there and then they’re getting out to wait, it could be a huge problem for them. I think having a place for them to just walk instead of driving and having it all on the way, I think it’s good,” Garcia said. Phase one is now in the design process and county leaders expect construction to start in July 2027. Leaders expect phase two to follow the same timeline for design and construction. The final application is due by Sept. 21. Grant announcements will be made in the next two to three months before the design process can start.