Denmark residents one step closer to clean drinking water after breaking ground on a rehabilitated airport water tower

DENMARK, SC (WJBF) – According to officials, one year after Bamberg County secured a nearly $600,000 federal grant to rehabilitate the airport water tank, residents are closer to getting clean drinking water.

On Friday, November 8, Bamberg County and city council members, Denmark City council members, Denmark Technical College and Voorhees University administrators, and other community and state leaders united in a celebratory groundbreaking ceremony.

Officials say the grant funds will be used to repair and repurpose the current tower, and an estimated 3,500 Denmark residents could be positively impacted.

Although the grant was funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services serves as the primary liaison between the local and federal government and determines which counties and/or municipalities are eligible.

“A year may seem like a long time, but it really isn’t when it comes to governmental projects. I’m excited to see the positive impact this restored water tower will have on this community,” said SC Revolving Fund, Bureau of Water Director Meredith Amick

Officials say the estimated project completion time frame is 60 days.

“This is a great day in Bamberg County, and we expect to experience more days like this in the future,” said Bamberg County Council Chairman Evert Comer, Jr.

“Water is the most essential element we can give our people, and we will continue to elevate Bamberg County toward more successful initiatives,” said Bamberg County Councilwoman Sharon Hammond.”

“Water! Water! Water!…is the most essential resource. We are grateful to everyone who came together, some behind the scenes, to help us restore this resource to Denmark and Bamberg County citizens,” said Councilman Spencer Donaldson.

County Administrator Joey Preston expressed his gratitude to DHEC, the Bamberg Department of Public Works, Senator Brad Hutto, Representative Justin Bamberg, Project Manager Ken Parnell, Bamberg County Councilmembers, and Mayors Nancy Foster (Bamberg), Gerald Wright (Denmark), and Wilma Edmonds (Govan) as well as Denmark Technical College and Voorhees University for collaborating on the project.

The program culminated in the ceremonial groundbreaking.

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