Tim Taylor

Photo by Ken Ruinard

Jackson Mill in Iva.

IVA — During 2007, the town of Iva had many opportunities to offer services to its citizens. Early in the year, the town was in the middle of a grant project, awarded by the South Carolina Department of Commerce in the amount of $250,000, for sewer-line rehabilitation. At the same time, the town was working hard to close two sewer lagoons after joining to the Anderson County sewer line.

In 2006, the town of Iva was awarded its first South Carolina Department of Transportation Enhancement Grant for a streetscape project and downtown revitalization. In early 2007, the town began to solicit bids from contractors to implement the grant design. During summer the work began. The downtown area was transformed into a more modern space, complete with new paving, angle street parking and a new water fountain. New lampposts were installed, along with numerous trees and shrubbery, to enhance the area.

Also in 2007, the ballfield was divided into two regulation fields, which will allow Iva to be more competitive for playing host to baseball tournaments. A new fence was installed around each field, and several trees were planted around the area. The ballfield plays host to the annual “Depot Days Festival” every year, during the second weekend of October. That was a fun day for the community in 2007, and preparations for Depot Days 2008 are already in the making.

The town’s first annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was held Nov. 29. More than 50,000 lights were beaming in the square at the end of the countdown, with more than 250 residents in attendance.

Adding to the local economy in Iva, the town welcomed Fred’s Dollar Store in 2007, as well as the rebuilding of the J.B. Thomas Hardware Store that burned earlier in the year.

In 2008 the town will submit plans for a second phase of downtown revitalization to the South Carolina Department of Transportation. If the grant is approved, more restructuring will occur that will add to the “already enhanced” look of downtown.

The town of Iva also will apply to the South Carolina Department of Commerce for another grant to fund continued replacing and upgrading of existing water and sewer lines.

The town was awarded two grants from the South Carolina Department of Parks and Recreation in the amount of $20,000. The funds will be used in 2008 to install two air conditioning units at the Iva Civic Center. In association with past and present efforts to renovate the center, the town plans to implement several new innovative ideas that will promote the center and attract mainline events such as craft fairs, concerts and sports tournaments.

The town also will welcome back the Lewis and Clark Circus on April 15. This will be a free event for the community.

Town officials and leaders are excited to continue efforts to promote Iva and market this area in the southern part of Anderson County as a great place to live and visit. This year promises to be a successful year for Iva’s growth.

Tim Taylor is the town clerk and treasurer of Iva.