Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2 Million to Construct Resilient Water Infrastructure and Support Manufacturing in South Carolina

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2 million grant to the Powdersville Water District in Easley, South Carolina, to make water infrastructure improvements needed to serve a major advanced manufacturing exporter of power tools and other businesses in the region. The EDA grant, to be matched with $2.9 million in local funds, is expected to create more than 340 jobs and generate more than $59 million in private investment.

“President Trump is committed to improving our country’s infrastructure to facilitate job creation and economic success,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This new water system will provide South Carolinians with the necessary infrastructure to support new manufacturing jobs and exports while making the region resilient to future severe weather events.”

“Working with communities and regions to establish the infrastructure they need to serve business and industry is a major focus for EDA,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “We are pleased to support the Powdersville Water District’s strategy to enhance this critical infrastructure and support advanced manufacturing exports in the region.”

“President Trump’s and Secretary Ross’ unwavering commitment to reinvigorating our country’s infrastructure continues to pay dividends for South Carolina and our people,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “This sort of investment instills confidence in the business community, which means jobs for South Carolinians and an even stronger economy in the future.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the South Carolina Appalachian Council of Government (ACOG), which EDA funds to help bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

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.