FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
To: News Media
From: Bamberg County Administration
Date: August 24, 2026
Re: Riley Drive Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Marks Another Successful Bamberg County Infrastructure Project
Bamberg, South Carolina (August 2026) – Bamberg County leaders and citizens united on Friday, August 14, to celebrate the completion of another successful infrastructure project. After weather-related setbacks over the last couple of years, Riley Drive residents and delivery drivers can finally go about their daily routine without the fear of getting stuck in the mud every time it rains.
Fortunately, after renovations that include stronger, more secure ditches to withstand heavy rainfall, residents can breathe a little easier when a storm approaches. In fact, several attendees remarked that Riley Drive had firmly withstood the previous night’s storm.
During heavy rains, Riley Drive was sometimes completely impassable, leaving area residents trapped and vulnerable. In fact, Bamberg County Councilman Spencer Donaldson noted that once a UPS deliveryman got stuck on Riley Drive and had to be rescued. Donaldson also thanked C-Fund Committee Chairman and Denmark Mayor Harold Johnson and Riley Drive resident Reverend Clarence Blocker for “spearheading and advocating for the completion of this project.”
Alliance Consulting Engineers, Inc. Project Manager Dan Rohman said the project, funded by the Bamberg County C-Fund Committee, cost $685,000, which was $76,000 under budget.
Additionally, Bamberg C-Fund Committee Chairman and Denmark Mayor Harold Johnson said, “This is a blessing for Riley Drive,” and thanked County Administrator Joey Preston for patiently and diligently moving the project forward.
Reverend Clarence Blocker, who personally advocated for the Riley Drive project with Bamberg County Council members and the C-Fund Committee, stated, “All the residents of Riley Drive are pleased. We can actually see a road now. Thank you, Councilman Spencer Donaldson, the entire Bamberg County Council, the C-Fund Committee, Alliance Consulting Engineers, and Joey Preston for not allowing weather delays to prevent this project from being completed.”
“It is important to continue working to improve our infrastructure in Bamberg County, especially our roads, which, if impassable, can prevent our most vulnerable citizens from receiving their medication,” said Bamberg County Councilman Evert Comer, Jr.
Bamberg County Administrator Joey Preston reflected, “Safe and functional roads are fundamental to the infrastructure of any thriving community. While the process was often long and tedious, we are thankful to the C-Fund Committee, Alliance Consulting Engineers, the construction crew, and the Riley Drive residents for their dedication and patience. Despite delays beyond our control, it is always a good day when the Bamberg community can celebrate the completion of a project that will positively impact the daily lives of our citizens. A $76,000 budget surplus only sweetens this victory.”
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For more information on this press release, email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov.