Clean-up Efforts Underway in Clinton After Dual Disasters

Clean-up Efforts Underway in Clinton After Dual Disasters

Clinton, a charming little city that’s been through quite a lot lately, is rallying together to tackle some serious cleanup efforts following a couple of tough incidents this past summer and fall. It’s been a challenging few months for the community, with a devastating fire in August followed by Hurricane Helene in September, but the good news is everyone is pulling together, and help is on the way!

Support from Laurens County

Just last week, at the City Council meeting on November 4, the Laurens County Council presented a generous $250,000 check to the Clinton Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). This funding is coming straight from an industries-supported special projects fund, which is aimed at improving local infrastructure. With four buildings and five businesses affected by the fire, this fresh influx of cash is a big relief and is set to revitalize the Musgrove Street business district.

Mayor Randy Randall received the check from County Council Chairman Brown Patterson and County Administrator Thomas Higgs, and it brought a sense of optimism to the room. Although the exact cause of the fire remains a mystery, three businesses have already announced their plans to relocate or have started moving.

Additional Funding Initiatives

In light of everything that’s happened, the City of Clinton is also taking proactive steps. The City has made a request for another $250,000 from the Laurens County Development Corporation. This money is aimed at creating a public parking lot at the Industrial Supply Building, with hopes tied to a major $5 Million restoration plan to transform that site into urban apartments. It’s exciting to see how these efforts can help grow the community and bring in more housing options!

Aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Let’s not forget that just weeks after the fire, Hurricane Helene paid a visit, sweeping through Laurens County and causing even more chaos. The County has estimated that the storm’s damage will cost around $24 Million and they are actively seeking FEMA assistance to help cover cleanup costs and the payroll for employees who worked tirelessly during this challenging time.

For its part, Clinton has decided to initially cover storm-related expenses by digging $1 Million out of the electric Rate Stabilization Fund. City officials assure that they’ll keep these hurricane expenditures distinct from standard public works expenses to make documenting costs easy when FEMA representatives arrive. Once reimbursements start arriving from FEMA for the city’s damages, they will restore this amount back into the Rate Stabilization Fund.

City Council’s Financial Strategies

The council discovered they’re already facing a hefty $500,000 bill from the hurricane damages alone. They need to pay vendors and cover $321,000 in overtime for the dedicated employees, in addition to accounting for costs associated with 40 visiting linemen who came to help restore electricity to the community.

Ongoing Projects and Development

During the same council meeting, there was also excitement surrounding other development projects. The city accepted a bid of $138,379.17 from Lambert’s Cable Splicing Company LLC to bury electric lines at the Wilder Tract and Stone Creek housing developments along Highway 56 and Springdale Drive. This is a move towards improving safety and reliability in the area.

Furthermore, plans for a Jacobs Highway annexation and an incentive to spur development in the historic district were also given the green light. It seems like Clinton is really pushing forward and determined to come back stronger after these recent setbacks.

So, as the community gears up for some sunny days ahead—with mostly clear skies and a pleasant high of 74°F expected this afternoon—there’s a sense of hope and camaraderie among the residents. Together, they’re turning the page on tougher times and looking forward to a brighter future!