Bethune's water tower could see major work through ARPA and grant funds, mayor says

BETHUNE, S.C. — As the second allocation of money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) comes out, Bethune is among the many towns eyeing new projects in their communities.

And one of those projects is visually hard to miss.

The federal government requires the funds to be spent on things like public health, lost revenue, infrastructure needs, and premium pay for essential staff. 

The town of Bethune is receiving a total of $174,245 from the American Rescue Plan Act and has already received $87,122. The other half is coming this month. 

"Our first round came last fall a portion of it was dedicated in our 2022-2023 budget for I.T. infrastructure and those funds will be used for purchasing of computers and secure servers," said Bethune Mayor Susan Holley.

"The remaining portion was budgeted in our budget for capital projects for the water tank refurbishment, the second deposit of the ARPA funding will come this fall and should come any day now," Mayor Holley added. "Those funds, collectively, will be allocated as a wager towards another grant we applied for, for the water tank refurbishment." 

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Mayor Holley said it's all a part of the town's revitalization and infrastructure needs.

"It's very important because it's our only tank and our only water source," she said. "So, it's important we maintain the tank, cosmetically it needs a little attention so it can last for many, many years."

The mayor said that, earlier in the fall, the town applied for a larger grant that was dedicated to infrastructure. 

"If it all works out, the tank will be 100% paid for by those grants," she said.

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And it's a project several residents say they support. 

"I surely would like to see it, you know, continue and help beautify our town," said Lorenzo Murphy. 

"I think it will be a good idea because it makes the town look kinda bad," Robert Joseph said. "So, go ahead and re-paint it and make it look presentable - the town of Bethune presentable." 

Once the money is designated and the grants approved, then the town will have an idea of the timeframe for the project.

Those interested in weighing can do so at their monthly council meeting.