CENTRAL — The town of Central was one of 34 communities in South Carolina who were rewarded a total of $14.5 million in Community Development Block Grant funds.

Central’s grant is for $500,000 to fund the Head/Watkins Sewer upgrade.

“The CDBG program is a resource with a track record of helping communities most in need,” said S.C. Commerce Secretary Joe Taylor. “Thanks to this programs, communities across the state will be able to improve water and sewer-related services, and in doing so improve their infrastructure for potential economic development.”

All grants awarded through the CDBG program must meet at least one of three objectives:

-- Benefit low and moderate income persons;

-- Aid in prevention or elimination of slums and brightening conditions; or

--Meet other urgent community development needs where existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to public health and welfare and where other financial resources are not readily available to meet such needs.

The grant funds are allocated annually to South Carolina from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The department of commerce administers the CDB program for the state. The program assists communities in providing housing , a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities. Grants are awarded to local governments to carry out a wide range of activities addressing housing and community development needs.

Approximately 78 of this year’s grants will directly impact residents in distressed, least-developed and under-developed counties in the state. More than half of the projects recommended for funding will address public health or safety issues or concerns, including contaminated wells, insufficient fire protection and unsafe wastewater treatment.