U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.2 Million to Fund Critical Infrastructure Upgrades in Darlington

WASHINGTON - On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million grant to the City of Darlington, South Carolina, to make wastewater system infrastructure upgrades needed to support local business development efforts. This grant will be matched with $305,580 in local investments. 

"The Trump Administration has been working hard to rebuild America's crumbling infrastructure," said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. "By investing in Darlington, the project will increase the resiliency of the entire wastewater system and decrease the likelihood of service interruptions for local businesses."

"It's great news for all of South Carolina to know that we have partners in the Trump Administration who understand the importance of providing businesses and local communities with the infrastructure necessary for their continued success and growth," said Governor Henry McMaster. "This investment will pay dividends in the Darlington community for many years to come, and we couldn't be more grateful to Secretary Ross and the U.S. Department of Commerce."

"This grant is great news and an important investment in Darlington's infrastructure," said Congressman Tom Rice. "I am grateful for the Trump Administration's support and I will continue advocating for Seventh District priorities at the federal level."

This project will improve the city's capacity to provide consistent sewer service to major employers in the region. 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.