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Over $11.6 Million in Community Development Block Grants Awarded to 13 South Carolina Communities

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce today announced over $11.6 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) have been awarded to 13 communities from across the state. The funds are allocated for specific projects that will directly benefit more than 9,000 low to moderate income residents in South Carolina.

“From day one, our administration has focused on bettering the economic soil conditions to promote business growth throughout the state and enhance opportunities for community and economic development,” said Gov. Mark Sanford. “These grants will help a number of our communities address infrastructure needs to make them more competitive in attracting jobs and new investment.”

A majority of the projects created as a result of these grants will make improvements to or develop completely new sewer and/or water systems in the selected neighborhoods. After the completion of these projects, many sanitary and safety concerns will be eliminated in these areas of the state.

“Because these grants are awarded on a merit basis and require contributions from local communities, the CDBG program has established necessary accountability to ensure positive and responsible use of funds. The program has been successful in producing lasting and positive results for communities in need and will go a long way towards improving both quality of life and economic opportunities for many South Carolinians,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

Grant recipients were selected through a statewide competitive process in which local governments submitted grant applications to the South Carolina Department of Commerce. These grants represent a portion of the money allocated annually to South Carolina from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The South Carolina Department of Commerce administers the Community Development Block Grants program for the state. The program assists communities in providing housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities. Grants are awarded to local governments to carry out a wide range of activities addressing housing and community development needs. Local governments are responsible for providing matching funds in an amount of at least five percent.

All grants awarded by the CDBG program must meet at least one of three objectives:

* Benefit low and moderate income persons.

* Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blighting conditions.

* Meet other urgent community development needs where existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to public health and welfare and where other financial resources are not readily available to meet such needs.

*A chart detailing grant recipients has been attached to this release.

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