U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4.2 Million for Roadway Improvements to Support Business Development in Hampton County, South Carolina
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4.2 million grant to Hampton County, South Carolina, for roadway improvements.
This project will support job creation through transportation infrastructure and food supply chain improvements. The EDA investment will be matched with $1 million in local funds and is expected to create 100 jobs and generate $46 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
“President Biden is committed to supporting communities as they develop safe and resilient infrastructure to serve local businesses and build a better America,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This project will support a new produce processing and distribution center, enhancing long-term business development and job growth in the region.”
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support Hampton County as they seek to diversify the region’s economy,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA grant will provide for critical infrastructure improvements, including construction of new industrial roadway, standard DOT industrial lighting, ditch and cross drainage and other necessities in support of industrial development in the region.”
“Safe and passable roads are an economic lifeline for many small communities throughout this country, and I am pleased to see that this investment in Hampton County will not only provide safe roads but will also create further economic growth and development through job creation and private investments,” said Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06). “I applaud President Biden and Secretary Raimondo for their strong commitment to building America’s rural infrastructure and I am proud to work closely with this administration to ensure those communities are not forgotten.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Lowcountry Economic Development District (LEDD). EDA funds LEDD to 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 invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.