Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests More than $2.5 Million to Help Attract Foreign Direct Investment and Retain Jobs in South Carolina

Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Monday, September 22, 2014

WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding more than $2.5 million in grants to South Carolina to upgrade water and sewer infrastructure to support business development. According to the grantee, EDA’s investments are expected to create 300 jobs, retain nearly 100 more, and generate $1 billion in private investment.

“The Obama Administration and the Commerce Department are committed to improving our nation’s infrastructure, which is crucial for both job growth and job creation,” said Secretary Pritzker. “The EDA grants announced today will support infrastructure projects that will help attract foreign direct investment as well as create and retain jobs in two South Carolina communities.”

The EDA investments announced today include:

• A $2 million grant to the Startax-Jackson-Wellford Duncan Water District in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to make water treatment plant improvements needed to support the location of a new Japanese manufacturer of advanced materials, including fibers and textiles, plastic resins, films and carbon fiber composites. The grantee estimates the project will create at least 300 new jobs and generate $1 billion in private investment.
  
• A $521,820 grant to the city of Darlington, South Carolina, to fund the construction of sewer lines and pump stations to serve the Hartville Oil Mill, a significant employer for the region. The Hartsville Oil Mill is the last independent cottonseed mill in South Carolina and is an important agribusiness processor for both Carolinas. The improvements are critical to its future production. According to the grantee, the Mill currently employs 94 full time employees.
  

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.