RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — More than $300,000 will go to the Town of Eastover as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) supporting communities around the country.
Over the last few months, News19 has spotlighted how cities and towns are using their share of millions distributed around the country as part of the Act.
Like many communities, Mayor Phillip Gunter said Eastover has received half of its funds. The town is expecting roughly $330,000 in total.
"It means a lot for the town," Mayor Gunter said. "We really need it to uplift our water system for safer water for the community... also to help out with some of our infrastructure."
He says they've already started spending the money on water and sewer projects, including improvements to the town's water tower, but there's still a lot more to do to revitalize the rural community, which has fewer than 1,000 residents.
"We had everything when I was a little boy, you know?," Mayor Gunter said. "The video store, the bank was there then, the little grocery store we had.... So, I just want to see those things come back to Eastover."
They're petitioning the state for additional dollars to continue making improvements with a focus on downtown developments.
"We need that grocery store; we need a laundry mat," Gunter said. "So, those are the kind of things that I'm really trying to concentrate on.... Painting of buildings and those kinds of things."
Mildred McMillian spent her life in Eastover and says she's excited for the opportunity to see the community improve.
"Just helping the town out, so it can be just like some of the other places around here... that this town become a little more beautified than it is," McMillian said. "It's just like a family over the whole town. Everybody getting along together....They're trying to do the best they can in this town."
The mayor says he's also working with Richland County to try to bring a new sheriff's department substation, strengthening available services for residents.