A construction crew is set to begin building the Tri-County Biological Science Center after receiving full funding for the project. The Charleston County Capital Projects Staff has successfully negotiated the terms of the Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment for the construction phase, which totals $20,543,082. Officials are hopeful that staff and equipment will be in place by the fourth quarter of 2025, and that the lab will undergo a two-year accreditation process.
Tri-County Biological Center Laboratory Director Tom Van Koughnett expressed his excitement about the quick progress on the project. “Going from not having the full parcel to having an approved council design in just two years is a significant achievement,” he said. Berkeley County Coroner Darnell Hartwell emphasized the importance of this center in their area. He explained how it will aid in identifying deceased individuals and assisting law enforcement in their investigations.
Hartwell shared a current case they are working on that highlights the urgent need for this project. An individual remains unidentified after months of investigations with private and state labs due to a lack of DNA sample in CODIS. This groundbreaking is scheduled for May 31, with existing buildings on the property set to be demolished on June 3. This project is crucial for enhancing forensic capabilities in the region and will play a vital role in future investigations.
