Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests to Support Business Attraction and Disaster Resiliency Efforts in Florence, South Carolina

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $2.4 million grant to the County of Florence, South Carolina, to make roadway, water and wastewater infrastructure improvements to help protect local businesses from the impact of natural disasters and attract new businesses. The grant, to be matched with $598,109 million in local funds, is expected to help create 170 jobs and generate $35 million in private investment.

“President Trump is working every day to rebuild our country’s crumbling infrastructure to facilitate job creation and continued economic success,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This project will address critical business infrastructure needs in Florence County and enable the region to be more resilient during future natural disasters.”

“Florence County is a major hub of economic activity in South Carolina and it has experienced the devastating impact of significant flooding in recent years,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “Knowing that the price of living in paradise is dealing with and preparing for natural disasters, this $2.4 million grant shows that President Trump and Secretary Ross recognize the importance of resilient infrastructure and will help Florence County encourage economic growth and prepare for future natural disasters.”

“This infrastructure grant addresses two Seventh District priorities- disaster preparedness and job creation,” said Congressman Tom Rice. “I am grateful for the Trump Administration’s support for critical infrastructure projects that will help grow our local economy and improve resiliency ahead of natural disasters in Florence.”

This investment will construct a new roadway and extension of water and wastewater infrastructure to an area near I-95 and State Highway 327 in Florence County. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments. EDA funds Pee Dee Regional Council of Governments 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 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.