Charleston County Greenbelt Program to Open FY22 Winter Funding Cycle

Press Release

Eligible Greenbelt fund recipients are invited to submit project applications for the FY22 winter funding cycle beginning Monday, November 1st, 2021. This funding cycle includes $17.5 million for both urban and rural projects in Charleston County. Information on the application process, past projects, and eligible fund recipients can be found at greenbelt.charlestoncounty.org. Applications are due on Friday, January 28, 2022 by 5 p.m. The Greenbelt Program protects and promotes quality of life through the protection and preservation of land in Charleston County.

Last month, the Charleston County Greenbelt Program announced Eric Davis as its new Director. Davis brings 13 years of diverse local government experience to Charleston County. Most recently, Davis served Dorchester County as its first ever Parks and Recreation Director. During those seven years he worked with stakeholders to plan, implement, and program the Dorchester County park system while also leading his organization’s efforts in conservation, greenways, and blueways. Davis takes over the program from Cathy Ruff, who is retiring after dedicating 25 years to Charleston County Government.

Ruff began her work with the Greenbelt Program after its creation in 2005. At that time, it was a part of Zoning & Planning. She became the director when the Greenbelt Program was organized into its own department in 2008. The Charleston County Comprehensive Greenbelt Plan was named the South Carolina American Planning Association’s Outstanding Planning Project for Large Jurisdictions in 2006. Ruff was named the 2007 Charleston County Employee of the Year. In 2009, the Greenbelt Program received the United States Forest Service’s Partnership Award. Since the inception of the program, Ruff has overseen the protection of over 20,000 acres of land.

Greenbelt Advisory Board Chairman Beezer Molten is thankful for Ms. Ruff’s leadership over the years and optimistic about the program’s future. Molten states, “Cathy has been the one constant since the beginning. I greatly appreciate her dedication to land stewardship in Charleston County and the success of the Greenbelt Program. I also look forward to working with Mr. Davis to reach our land protection goals and I encourage those interested in preserving our Lowcountry landscapes to contact us to learn more.”

Additional Greenbelt Program information and photos can be found at greenbelt.charlestoncounty.org.

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