Groundbreaking ceremonies for three different school projects in Dillon County took place on Monday.
In 2010, Rural Development awarded a $35.8 million Recovery Act direct loan and a $4 million Recovery Act grant to the Dillon County School Facilities Corporation to finance new construction or renovations for three schools in three school districts in Dillon County, SC. The funding is leveraged with $7.5 million from other sources. Dillon County will use the funds to construct a new pre-kindergarten through second grade facility in Latta and a new middle school near Dillon, as well as to renovate and expand an existing high school in Lake View. These new and upgraded facilities will serve more than 4,000 students.
USDA Rural Development funding was made possible thru the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funds for this project are administered through USDA Rural Development’s Community Programs.
“The impact this facility will have on the students of Dillon County is immeasurable,” said Tammye Trevino, USDA Administrator for Housing and Community Facilities Programs. “Today there is serious competition across the state, this country and the world. For Dillon County to compete, modern facilities such as the ones we start today are a must. Students in this county are competing against students around the globe who have an advantage by learning in facilities that are superior to what exist in Dillon today. Starting today that is changing.”
“I am honored to be here today as an avid supporter in a project that benefits and validates the belief that we have in the future of our children. This groundbreaking today represents a promise kept. There is no limit to what we can do with bold leaders on the ground and strong support in Washington. Investing in our children is money well spent. The schools being built and renovated are schools that every resident of Dillon County can be proud of and represents a step forward in education in South Carolina. The learning environment of our students will no longer be compromised. I thank everyone that has worked together to make this project a reality, and I am pleased that our students in Dillon County will benefit from Rural Development funding,” said USDA Rural Development State Director, Vernita F. Dore.
Latta’s ceremony kicked off the day. Betty Jo Johnson, Latta School Board Chair, called it an “exciting day,” which was echoed by Senator Kent Williams, who called it a “great day for Dillon County.” Latta’s building is expected to be completed in 14 months in 2012.
Dillon’s ceremony was the second to take place. Ty’Sheoma Bethea, who wrote a letter to the President about the state of her school, said “We all did it,” when talking about the everything that had brought them to the groundbreaking. County School Board Chairman Richard Schafer and Rep. Jackie Hayes talked about the long journey leading to the groundbreaking.
Lake View’s groundbreaking ceremony was the last to be held on Monday afternoon. Superintendent Steve Laird said he was very pleased that they are at this point. Chairman Schafer thanked the voters and taxpayers of Dillon County and stated that this was the largest investment ever made in Dillon County.
