Funding allocated in 2019 implemented in 21 counties statewide
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today announced significant progress and measurable impacts resulting from the Rural Initiative Grant and Rural Broadband Grant programs. This funding — allocated to projects in 21 counties statewide — is strengthening local economies, modernizing infrastructure and expanding essential services in communities that have historically faced barriers to growth.
In 2019, the South Carolina General Assembly allocated $65 million to S.C. Commerce to facilitate economic development and infrastructure improvements in qualifying rural counties. Eligible communities were determined based on population decline, as well as poverty and unemployment rates — ensuring funding reached communities with the greatest need and the most potential for transformation.
“We are pleased to announce the incredible impacts that both the Rural Initiative Grant and Rural Broadband Grant programs are making in rural areas across our state,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III. “Together, these broadband and infrastructure projects are helping underserved communities build the foundation to attract new businesses, retain talent, improve quality of life and support economic resilience for decades to come.”
The 31 projects awarded under the Rural Initiative Grant Program (RIGP) represent a diverse portfolio of efforts that will advance economic development, infrastructure improvement, community development and public safety efforts in the 21 designated focus and contiguous counties.
Many RIGP-funded projects are already being implemented, including:
- New law enforcement center in Bamberg County — opening modern facilities that centralize critical public safety and health services.
- Alcolu Technology & Industrial Park improvements in Clarendon County — strengthening infrastructure and site readiness for the park, which has since attracted Homanit’s first U.S. manufacturing operation.
- Construction of new speculative industrial building in Fairfield County — expanding the county’s industrial inventory with a new speculative building, which has since been selected as the site of Mega Metal’s first South Carolina operation.
- Greeleyville sewer system expansion in Williamsburg County — improving critical infrastructure in underserved areas and supporting future economic development.
- Downtown Bishopville revitalization in Lee County — reinvigorating town center to boost tourism, small business growth and community engagement.
A full summary of projects awarded under the RIGP may be viewed here.
The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the need for broadband internet service in rural South Carolina, where limited connectivity hindered remote learning, telehealth, business operations and workforce development. In response, $30 million of the original $65 million allocation was directed to the South Carolina Broadband Office (SCBBO), housed within the state’s Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS), to begin the Rural Broadband Grant Program (RBGP).
In March 2026 — almost exactly five years from inception — RBGP construction was completed. The SCBBO reports that 2,041 miles of fiber have been built, providing 21,644 housing units with access to high-speed internet service. RBGP projects were awarded to 17 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and span all 21 eligible and adjacent counties — at a competitive cost of $1,386 per location.
A final map of state RBGP projects may be viewed here.