Laurens County to receive $5.5M for rural water

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Laurens County will receive a $1.7 million loan and a $3.8 million grant to construct a new treatment plant and intake for the county.

The county learned about the loan and grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which today announced it will invest $201 million to improve rural water infrastructure in 31 states.

The Laurens County investment will improve the county’s water system by providing a long-term, sustainable and safe, water supply, according to a USDA news release. The project will support residential growth and industrial development for a population of about 40,000, the release said. 

“Modern, reliable and accessible infrastructure is critical to economic development and quality of life,” Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald LaVoy said in the news release.

Other South Carolina communities receiving USDA assistance are the town of Pageland, receiving a $4.2 million loan and a $4.5 million grant for its sewer system, and the town of McCormick, receiving a $1 million loan and a $319,000 grant for water system improvements.

The USDA is providing the funding through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program, the news release said. Eligible applicants include rural cities, towns and water districts.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas, the release said This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.