Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests to Support Business-focused Disaster Recovery and Resilience Efforts in Seneca, South Carolina

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.7 million grant to the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority of Seneca, South Carolina, to facilitate infrastructure improvements needed to protect businesses in the event of natural disasters. The EDA grant will be matched with more than $977,000 in state and local investment.

“The Trump Administration has answered the call of communities like Seneca after natural disaster strikes,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “These improvements will replace antiquated sewer systems to help the area manage flooding and protect businesses during extreme weather.”

“This grant is just one more demonstration of President Trump and his administration continuing to fulfill their promise to rebuild America’s infrastructure,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “Because of this investment, Oconee County will be better prepared for natural disasters and the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority will have the ability to serve its customers more effectively and efficiently.”

“The $3.7 million grant for the Oconee Joint Regional Sewer Authority is great news for the community and the local economy,” said Representative Duncan. “I am pleased the Trump Administration has partnered with Third District communities to make necessary infrastructure enhancements that will help prepare Oconee County for the future.”

This investment will fund sewer infrastructure in the southern portion of Oconee County and will replace antiquated septic systems that cause backups and business disruptions. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Appalachian Council of Governments. EDA funds the Appalachian 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.

This project is funded under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (PL 115-123) (PDF) (PDF), in which Congress appropriated to EDA $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program (PDF) funds for disaster relief and recovery as a result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, wildfires, and other calendar year 2017 natural disasters under the Stafford Act.

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.