Lake City has been awarded $1.7 million dollars from the South Carolina Department of Transportation to resurface 27 roads and fix bad sidewalks.
Mayor Lovith Anderson says the streets include South and North Acline, Church, Davis, Lance, Clover, Darlington, Bailey, Benton, Elm, Adams, Dansing, West Thomas, James, Ward, Deep River, Samuel, Carver, Sauls, Calhoun, Charles, Thurston, Holly and Cash, Durant Drive, Cole Road and Lincoln Avenue.
"For the average citizen, those streets were hazardous. Some of the potholes in them have curbing has started turning up on them, and they're really rough streets, especially if you're transporting senior citizens or children or even just the wear and tear of your car," said Mayor Anderson.
Anderson says he worked with Florence County Council and the Lake City legislative delegation to get the money to fix the roads.
"We've had this list a good while. The city approved it, requested it. We're delighted we were able to get the funds for it. We look forward to their completion. It's going to improve our roads, our sidewalks, all the things that are necessary in a good town," said SC Rep. Lester Branham, (D) Florence County.
"When you resurface some 30 streets in a community in a city, it not only enhances economic development but the attractiveness. If you look at the green space really enhances all of the green space in Lake City," said SC Sen. Yancey McGill, (D) Kingstree.
"This was in dire need, but it's another example of what teamwork can do to make a project come to fruition and it's a major announcement," said Rusty Smith, Chairman of Florence County Council.
Many residents have complained for years about all the potholes and cracks on Lake City streets.
Ozzie Pickett says he's damaged his cars driving on the roads.
"You can ride down here, you hit a pot hole so deep and so hard you bust a tire and a rim. You know what I mean, it's terrible. I done bust a shock last summer and about three weeks ago, I messed up and busted a tire," said Pickett.
The city will take bids in the coming weeks and the project should be finished within 18 months.
