COLUMBIA, SC — Last night President Biden and Democrats delivered historic legislation that will improve the lives of South Carolinians. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will fix our crumbling roads and bridges, expand broadband access, and ensure South Carolinians have clean drinking water.
“It is a shame that not a single South Carolina Republican voted to deliver real, tangible relief to South Carolina families,” said SCDP Chair Trav Robertson, Jr. “Our infrastructure needs have been neglected for decades and are in desperate need of this investment. Thank you to Majority Whip Clyburn for working diligently to get this bill passed.”
Based on funding formula alone, the state of South Carolina would expect to receive:
- $4.6 billion to improve highways and $274 million for bridge replacement and repairs over five years.
- $366 million over five years to improve public transportation options across the state.
- $70 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state. South Carolina will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging in the bill.
- A minimum of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 405,000 South Carolinians who currently lack it. 1,512,000 or 29% of people in South Carolina will also be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
- $15 million over five years to protect against wildfires.
- $18.3 million to protect against cyberattacks.
- $510 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities.
- $161 million over five years to improve South Carolina’s airports.
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