Are you familiar with the infrastructure of Florence County? Neither was I until I was given the opportunity of writing the Community Facilities Element. This Element is part of the Comprehensive Plan and identifies services and facilities that are available to Florence County residents.
Among the many subjects discussed in the element are water and sewer issues. These are key components of our infrastructure and a major expense. In 2002, a new surface water plant began utilizing the Great Pee Dee River as a raw water source. This added capacity of 10 mgd to the existing wells and plants. The City of Florence also adopted a master water and sewer plan in 2006 that addressed future demands to 2025. The City's combined service now covers a 361 square mile area. That's a lot of water and sewage!
The need for new schools and how much to spend on education are always an issue of public concern. Voters recently rejected a referendum that would have allowed seven new schools to be built. The referendum would have also helped reduce the number of portable classrooms and class sizes. Alternative funding will be necessary to accommodate future growth.
Do you know where the Emergency Medical Services, emergency evacuation routes, or refuse convenience centers are located? While these are important to know, this Element also provides the location of Florence County libraries, museums, civic and arts venues, parks and recreation.
As you can see, the Community Facilities Element covers several things that affect you and your families. It also includes a list of goals and strategies to guide us in the right direction for future growth. The draft of this Element should be available on our website (www.florenceco.org), by the end of December.
Please take the time to read it and let us know your thoughts. We welcome your comments!
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