Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves and Congressman James Clyburn have announced a $13.5 million grant to Lake City, South Carolina, aimed at mitigating recurring flooding issues. The funding, awarded through the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), will be supplemented with $1.3 million in local funds.
“At the Department of Commerce, we are focused on creating an economy that works for all Americans, and building resilient infrastructure is key to getting us there,” stated Deputy Secretary Graves.
The announcement was made during a bus tour of the project area with local officials and business owners affected by flooding. Mayor Yameika Robinson and Town Administrator William A. Hall were among those present.
“We’re creating an economy where your zip code doesn’t determine your destiny,” said Graves.
Since 2015, the region has faced multiple federally declared disasters, including Hurricane Ian in 2022. This initiative is part of the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which allocated $483 million to EDA for disaster relief.
Later in Charleston, Graves highlighted a $2.7 million award from Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the Sustainability Institute in Rosemont for habitat restoration and coastal resilience efforts.
“When we uplift communities in need, we all benefit,” remarked Graves.
This investment is part of a broader $45 million commitment supporting various projects nationwide under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act championed by Congressman Clyburn and signed into law by President Biden.
The Biden-Harris Administration continues its focus on addressing climate challenges and enhancing community resilience.
