U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.1 Million for Water Infrastructure Improvements in Lancaster, South Carolina

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.1 million grant to the city of Lancaster, South Carolina, for water infrastructure improvements.

This grant will provide increased water and sewer access to local businesses and first responders in downtown Lancaster. This EDA investment will be matched with $768,600 in local funds.

“The Biden-Harris Administration knows that infrastructure is key to building an economy that works for all Americans and helps every community grow,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will help ensure that Lancaster has the resources necessary to create modern and sustainable infrastructure that will support local businesses and create good-paying jobs in the region.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally driven disaster recovery and resiliency plans,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will improve critical public infrastructure for major industries located in Lancaster, creating a stronger regional economy.”

“I am grateful to the EDA for awarding this grant to the fantastic town of Lancaster! I know this grant will be put to great use in the community, strengthening the local economy, growing small businesses, and creating jobs,” said Representative Ralph Norman (SC-05). “I am looking forward to watching Lancaster continue to excel!”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Catawba Regional Council of Governments (COG). EDA funds COG 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.

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

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.