Biden-Harris Administration announces projects to strengthen rural infrastructure, create jobs across South Carolina
Source: United States Department of Agriculture
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– On Tuesday, May 14, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the funding of three projects located in South Carolina that will improve access to reliable electricity for more than 121,000 people and create good-paying jobs across the state.
The announcement was made during Infrastructure Week which highlights the progress the Biden-Harris Administration has made to improve American infrastructure through historic funding packages such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
“USDA is investing over $257 million in electric infrastructure funding for rural communities located in rural South Carolina,” stated USDA South Carolina Acting State Director George W. Hicks, Jr.
USDA officials said the project is funded through the Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan GuaranteeProgram to help utility providers and electric cooperatives build and improve electric
infrastructure, smart-grid technologies and renewable energy systems.
“These critical investments will help create seamless smart grid electric networks and will help increase economic opportunities for people living and working in these rural communities,” continued Hicks.
The projects will help ensure everyone in rural areas have access to reliable electricity to increase economic opportunity and quality of life, according to USDA officials.
One of the projects will be with Aiken Electric Cooperative, the company will use funding to connect 3,588 consumers, build and improve 192 miles of line, and construct headquarter facilities.
Aiken Electric serves an average of 50,951 members through 5,679 miles of distribution line in parts of Barnwell, Calhoun, Edgefield, Greenwood, Lexington, McCormick, Orangeburg, Saluda, and Aiken counties in South Carolina.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas.
