FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
To: News Media
From: Bamberg County Administration
Date: November 24, 2025
Re: Water! Water! Water! Bamberg County Celebrates Airport Water Tower Ribbon-Cutting
Bamberg, South Carolina (November 2025) –On Thursday, November 20, just a little over two years after securing a nearly $600,000 federal grant to rehabilitate the airport water tank and one year after its groundbreaking, Bamberg County officials and other community leaders gathered for the much anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The grant funds were used to repair and repurpose the old water tower, and an estimated 3,500 Denmark residents will be positively impacted. Although the grant was funded by former President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, previously governed under the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) umbrella, served as the primary liaison between the local and federal government and determined eligible counties and municipalities. The SC Rural Water Association, a non-profit advocacy group for clean drinking water across the state, also partnered with Bamberg County to secure the grant.
Bamberg County Councilman Evert Comer, Jr. enthusiastically welcomed attendees before leading them in an opening prayer: “This is a great day in Bamberg County, and we expect to experience more days like this in the future.”
Denmark Mayor Harold Johnson said a “collaborative spirit and unwillingness to take no for an answer are the driving forces that bring us to this pivotal moment today. On behalf of the Denmark City Council and Administration, I thank our state delegation as well as Bamberg County for working tirelessly to see this essential project to fruition. Where there is an abundance of clean water, there is a thriving community, and the Denmark community will continue to thrive as a result of this water tower restoration.”
“This newly renovated water tank represents something essential: reliable access to clean, safe water for our citizens. Water is one of the most basic needs of life, and ensuring its availability is one of the most important responsibilities of any community. With this renovation, we’re strengthening our infrastructure, enhancing our quality of life, and preparing for the needs of future generations. This project reflects teamwork: county, city, state, and federal leadership, engineers, contractors, staff workers, and community partners who committed themselves to making this improvement possible. Their dedication ensures that Bamberg County continues to grow stronger, safer, and more equipped for the future,” stated Bamberg County Chairwoman Sharon Hammond.
Councilman Spencer Donaldson said, “Water! Water! Water!...is the most essential resource. We are grateful to everyone who came together, some behind the scenes, to help us restore this resource to Denmark and Bamberg County citizens.”
Denmark Technical College President Eric Brown remarked, "Today’s celebration is about progress and partnership, two values that define this community and Denmark Technical College alike. Whether we’re investing in a new water tower or a new academic program, the goal is the same: to strengthen our community. Through steady improvements, innovative ideas, and strong partnerships, we continue moving forward together, creating opportunities for growth, education, and a better quality of life for everyone who calls Bamberg County home."
County Administrator Joey Preston expressed his gratitude to DHEC, the Bamberg Department of Public Works, Senator Brad Hutto, Representative Justin Bamberg, HPG and Company Project Manager Ken Parnell, Bamberg County Councilmembers, and Denmark Mayor Harold Johnson as well as Denmark Technical College and Voorhees University for collaborating on the project.
“Future airport infrastructure projects, including area fire protection, would not be possible without restoring this water tower. This project will allow us to continue to enhance both Bamberg and Denmark’s infrastructure, which is a key factor in economic development and growth. We applied for this grant three times, and we would not have been successful without the persistence and hard work of everyone present today.”
The program culminated in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
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For more information on this press release, email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov.