The City of Aiken Unveils $130 Million Development Plans, Including New Water Treatment Plant and Traffic Relief Project

The City of Aiken’s Exciting Development Plans Unveiled

Hey there, Aiken! Big things are happening in our lovely city, and we couldn’t be more excited to share the latest news with you. With construction about to kick off on several key projects worth a whopping $130 million, residents can look forward to an exciting transformation in infrastructure and community services.

New Water Treatment Plant on the Horizon

Mark your calendars for December 17, because that’s when the city will break ground on a brand new water treatment plant. City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh announced on December 9 that the groundbreaking ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. on 127 Gun Range Road. This new facility is set to replace the existing plant on Columbia Highway, which has been serving our community since 1953!

The current plant has had its fair share of upgrades over the decades but, let’s be honest, it’s time for a much-needed refresh. The new plant will be an investment of around $65 to $70 million. To help fund this project, the city received $10 million from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority and is also taking out a $27 million low-interest loan from the State Revolving Fund. Not to forget, $29 million in bonds have been issued by the water and sewer fund. Impressive, right?

Traffic Relief: The Powderhouse Connector Project

But that’s not all, folks! There’s also a plan for a new Powderhouse Connector aimed at relieving traffic congestion on Whiskey Road. Rick Toole, a rep from Benesch, mentioned that the city will start accepting bids from contractors for this project before the year ends. The connector will link up with Whiskey Road at East Gate Drive and Oak Grove Road, eventually intersecting with an improved Powderhouse Road.

This project will be executed in two phases. The estimated cost? Around $34 million, funded by a mix of state and federal funds. Construction is set to begin early next year, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact this will have on our daily commutes!

The Mixed-Use Building on Newberry Street

Last but definitely not least is the exciting addition of a mixed-use building on Newberry Street. Project Manager Mark Chostner provided some updates this past June, letting us know that construction could kick off in the spring of 2025. A total of $19.25 million will go into this development, which is expected to be partially funded by a generous $20 million from the state’s settlement with the Department of Energy over plutonium at the Savannah River Site.

After the Design Review Board approved its designs earlier in the year, we’re confident that this mixed-use space will bring even more life to our beloved downtown area. The building is expected to take about 14 months to complete, meaning it could be open by 2026!

A Brighter Future for Aiken

So there you have it, Aiken! With all these developments lined up, it’s clear the city is dedicated to improving services and infrastructure for its residents. Whether it’s the new water treatment plant, the traffic relief from the Powderhouse Connector, or the vibrant mixed-use building, these projects are set to enhance the quality of life in our community.

Let’s stay tuned for the groundbreaking ceremony on December 17 and keep an eye out for more updates as these projects come to life. A brighter future is ahead, and we’re excited to be on this journey with all of you!