MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — More than $1 million in federal funding is headed to communities across Berkeley County after county council approved a slate of grants aimed at improving parks, public facilities, emergency services and community programs.
At its June 22 meeting, Berkeley County Council approved $1,015,276 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for 10 local agencies, nonprofit organizations and public projects. County leaders say the funding will help address a variety of community needs, from workforce development and food distribution to recreation and public safety.
The grants are funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program, which provides federal dollars to local governments for projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents and improve community infrastructure.
Funding Reaches Communities Across the County
Among the largest individual awards is $200,000 designated for fire departments to purchase rescue and life-saving equipment.
Several community organizations also received funding for facility improvements and program expansion.
Changed Lives Ministry was awarded $98,500 to renovate a warehouse that supports its workforce rehabilitation program, while Miracle Academy received $98,750 to expand its agricultural education efforts with a greenhouse and signage for farmers market days.
The Wassamasaw Tribe Varnertown Indians received $75,000 for improvements to its food distribution center, and the Cainhoy Community Center was awarded $100,000 for facility upgrades.
Berkeley Seniors, which operates the Goose Creek Senior Center, received $75,000 for the construction of an outdoor pavilion and facility-related improvements.
Parks and Recreation Projects Receive Major Investment
A significant portion of the funding will support parks and recreational facilities throughout the county.
Pineville Eadytown Park received $108,425 for new playground equipment, while the Town of Bonneau was awarded $50,000 for park upgrades and equipment improvements.
The Town of St. Stephen received $75,000 for park enhancements and new playground equipment.
In addition, Berkeley County secured $134,601 for ADA improvements and upgrades at county parks, aimed at improving accessibility and enhancing recreational opportunities for residents.
Review Process Included Community Input
County officials partnered with Civitas LLC to establish a CDBG Advisory Committee that reviewed applications and determined project eligibility before making funding recommendations to County Council.
The committee evaluated requests from organizations and agencies across Berkeley County before forwarding its recommendations for final approval.
Supporting Local Needs
The Community Development Block Grant Program has long served as a source of federal funding for local governments seeking to improve housing, infrastructure, public services and economic opportunities.
County leaders say this year’s funding allocations reflect a broad effort to invest in community resources that directly impact residents’ quality of life, from safer parks and stronger emergency services to expanded educational and workforce opportunities.
With projects now approved, organizations can begin moving forward with plans to put the federal funding to work in communities across Berkeley County.
