The Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded Powdersville Water (PW) $2 million to construct resilient water infrastructure and to support manufacturing in South Carolina. “President Trump is committed to improving our country’s infrastructure to facilitate job creation and economic success,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This new water infrastructure will provide South Carolinians with the necessary infrastructure to support new manufacturing jobs and exports while making the region resilient to future severe weather events.”
The EDA grant of $2 million will be combined with local funds from PW to begin a $4.9 million project designed to improve the transmission of water across a rapidly growing service area. A large portion of the project will provide large transmission mains in two locations that will help Powdersville Water move water across the system at a higher rate of flow.
“This investment from the EDA is vital in preparing our water system for the rapid population growth that is occurring in our surrounding communities. We are very thankful for this assistance, and this will help boost our economy for many years to come”, said Dyke Spencer, PW’s Executive Director.
This project was made possible with the assistance of South Carolina Appalachian Council of Government (ACOG). The project will provide improvements to infrastructure by adding capacity, resiliency, and adequate fire flows to the area.
“President Trump’s and Secretary Ross’ unwavering commitment to reinvigorating our country’s infrastructure continues to pay dividends for South Carolina and our people,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “This sort of investment instills confidence in the business community, which means jobs for South Carolinians and an even stronger economy in the future.”
Powdersville Water is a special purpose district that serves a population of approximately 35,000 people and has over 14,000 water connections. Its service area extends from northern Pickens County south along the Saluda River and I-85 into a large section of northern Anderson County.
For more information about Powdersville Water, please visit their website at www.powdersvillewater.org
