The Department of Commerce, under U.S. Secretary Gina Raimondo, has announced a $9.6 million grant for Anderson County, South Carolina. The grant, awarded by the Economic Development Administration (EDA), is aimed at supporting job creation and encouraging private investment in the region.
The funds will be used for water infrastructure improvements to support commercial and industrial businesses in Anderson County. The EDA investment will be supplemented with $2.4 million from local funds. This financial injection is projected to create approximately 225 jobs and stimulate $60 million in private investments, according to grantee estimates.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo sees the investment as a crucial part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, aiming to bolster America’s middle class by creating jobs and building critical infrastructure. The EDA investment in Anderson County is expected to enhance economic opportunities and create well-paid jobs for local residents.
Alejandra Y. Castillo, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, emphasized that the EDA works closely with communities to support locally driven disaster recovery and resiliency efforts. She noted that the improvements facilitated by this project will diversify the regional economy and create numerous new jobs in Anderson County.
The project was financed under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023. This legislation provided the EDA with $483 million in extra Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery in areas affected by major disasters in 2021 and 2022. The disasters listed include Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural catastrophes.
