Residents in the Welcome Hill community near Trion will see new fire hydrants installed as part of a major water system improvement project planned by Chattooga County.

Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says the project will replace aging water lines and install fire hydrants throughout the Welcome Hill community, including areas around Welcome Hill Road and Ellie Lane.

The improvements are part of a $1.34 million project supported by a $1 million federal Community Development Block Grant, along with approximately $344,000 in county matching funds.

According to Allen, the existing water system has experienced numerous water line breaks, requiring county maintenance crews to make repeated emergency repairs.

The replacement project is designed to address those problems while providing a more reliable water supply for residents.

The addition of fire hydrants will also provide important infrastructure for firefighters responding to emergencies in the community. The availability of hydrants can improve access to water for firefighting operations, although any changes to fire protection ratings would depend on additional factors.

The project is expected to benefit approximately 118 residents in the Welcome Hill area, including 91 residents classified as low- to moderate-income.

Allen says the improvements will also increase water volume in some areas and reduce the need for frequent emergency repairs.

The project is among several infrastructure improvements being pursued by Chattooga County through state-administered federal grant programs.