The City of West Columbia is beginning a $15 million overhaul of the Mill Village neighborhood and Alexander Road. This comprehensive project is designed to modernize the area’s utility networks, reduce the risk of severe flooding, and improve overall safety and mobility for residents and visitors.

The initiative is fueled by a strategic partnership between the City and two major state agencies: the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (SCRIA) and the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR). By combining these resources, the City is addressing aging infrastructure above and below the ground simultaneously.

A centerpiece of this project is a significant long-term investment from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (SCRIA). While surface-level road and drainage work are the most visible parts of the project, the SCRIA’s participation focuses on a broader effort to replace aging water infrastructure.

This large-scale utility investment ensures that as the neighborhood grows, its foundational systems, specifically water and wastewater, remain reliable. By replacing aging pipes now, the City is proactively preventing water main breaks and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality drinking water. This strategy allows the City to maximize taxpayer dollars by upgrading underground utilities at the same time the roads and drainage systems are being rebuilt.

Senator Russell Ott said, “I am excited to see this important project move forward. The City of West Columbia, and the Mill Village area specifically, have seen significant impacts in recent years, including during storms like Hurricane Helene. These improvements will help reduce flooding and improve stormwater mitigation, while also protecting homes and families and strengthening critical utility infrastructure that supports reliable, safe drinking water for residents who rely on it every day. This project reflects the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority’s continued investment in communities as it modernizes water and wastewater systems across the state. I appreciate SCRIA’s assistance and participation alongside the City of West Columbia and the SC Office of Resilience. This comprehensive, collaborative effort between state agencies and the City will deliver practical solutions, and I applaud the speed with which it has been made a reality—improving public safety, protecting property, and safeguarding essential water resources.”

South Carolina House of Representatives Micah Caskey said, “Mill Village residents have asked for real stormwater solutions, and this project delivers vital protection for their homes and quality of life. This effort is a testament to our close partnership with the City of West Columbia. By working hand-in-hand with Mayor Tem Miles, the City Council, and City Administrator Brian Carter, we are ensuring the best possible use of taxpayer dollars by layering state and local resources to tackle multiple challenges at once. While the S.C. Office of Resilience funds are critical for reducing flood risk, the S.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority’s (RIA) participation allows us to look at the bigger picture. Their assistance in the broader utility infrastructure ensures we are also upgrading the systems that provide safe, reliable drinking water. We aren’t just fixing a single drainage pipe; we are completely revitalizing the quality of infrastructure in the Mill Village area. I am proud of how we have coordinated these state agencies to maximize the impact for our residents. These are the smart, comprehensive investments that make a lasting difference for the people who live and work here.”

“We are pleased to support the City in upgrading its water lines proactively to ensure safe and quality drinking water for residents,” said Bonnie Ammons, Executive Director of the SC Rural Infrastructure Authority. “The Mill Village Area Project is one phase of a $10 million grant awarded to West Columbia for the replacement of aging water infrastructure. This collaborative effort to comprehensively address older infrastructure will reap benefits for years to come.”

“When we award funding for stormwater infrastructure projects, we look beyond just upsizing pipes and outfalls,” explains SC Chief Resilience Officer Ben Duncan. “Truly resilient solutions leverage multi-faceted approaches that improve a community’s environmental quality and facilitate social cohesion. We want to thank all partners, including the City and the SC Rural Infrastructure Authority, who will be working in this area over the coming months.”

Project Scope and Timeline

Construction began in January and is expected to take approximately 15 months to complete in phases. This phased approach will allow the City to maintain access to homes and businesses while managing traffic.

Planned improvements include:

• Utility Modernization: Replacement of aging water infrastructure.
• Stormwater Management: Upgraded drainage system.
• Transportation & Safety: Roadway realignment, on-street parking, and enhanced pedestrian walkability.

City of West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles said, “I am excited this project is getting underway. It will fix longstanding problems with water infrastructure, stormwater drainage, road surfaces, traffic flow, and parking in the Mill Village and surrounding area. These improvements are much needed.”

City of West Columbia District 4 Councilman Joseph Dickey added, “This project represents a smart, long-term investment in the Mill Village, along Alexander Road, and in the future of West Columbia. By addressing flooding concerns, upgrading aging infrastructure, and improving mobility and safety, we are making meaningful improvements that residents will feel in their daily lives. These upgrades strengthen the foundation of the community, protect homes and roadways, and ensure this area is better prepared for future weather events while continuing to move the City forward.”

To keep residents and businesses informed, the City will provide regular updates through various methods, including callouts, City social media platforms, a dedicated project webpage (westcolumbiasc.gov/riverdistrictprojects), and door hangers.

Residents and businesses impacted by specific construction phases will receive advance notice through door hangers and automated phone calls. Access to properties will be maintained throughout the project.

For questions or additional information, residents may contact:

[email protected] or (803) 939-8625

The City recognizes that construction will cause temporary inconveniences and appreciates the community’s patience and partnership. Once completed, the Mill Village Infrastructure Improvement Project will deliver lasting benefits by reducing flood risk, improving mobility, and strengthening the foundation of the neighborhood for decades to come.



For regular updates, residents are encouraged to visit the dedicated project webpage at www.westcolumbiasc.gov/riverdistrictprojects.