Hello everyone! I’m pleased to be here in Rosemont, celebrating this investment with you all.  Thank you to the Sustainability Institute for hosting this event and bringing together this coalition of local and state leaders, including Mayor Cogswell, Mayor Burgess, and Representative Wetmore.  The importance of this work to advance sustainability in South Carolina can’t be overstated.

I would also like to extend a special thanks to my friend Congressman Clyburn –one of our country’s greatest leaders – who could not be here today but is an incredible partner and steadfast advocate for his constituents.

The Biden Harris Administration is committed to ensuring that every community across the country is on a path toward long term prosperity and success. By  making targeted investments designed with your greatest needs in mind, we are one step closer to a stronger and more sustainable tomorrow.

Key to that mission is climate resiliency and ensuring that underrepresented communities have every opportunity to adapt and thrive in our rapidly changing world.

What we know now more than ever is that underserved communities are often the hardest hit by climate change and in low country, access to essential services can be cut off at the first sign of high tide.

That’s why NOAA is committing significant resources to efforts right here in South Carolina that directly support habitat restoration. And this is where The Sustainability Institute comes into the picture.

As a recipient of the Tribes and Underserved Communities Habitat Restoration grant from NOAA, the Sustainability Institute will

• Invest in coastal restoration and climate resilience work along the South Carolina coast, 
• And provide employment opportunities to local community members.

This investment is part of a $45 million dollar commitment supporting 27 different efforts in all corners of our country, funded through landmark legislation, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, which were championed by Congressman Clyburn and signed into law by President Biden.

When we uplift communities in need, we all benefit. This work saves lives and secures livelihoods, and it wouldn’t be possible without the leaders alongside me today or the community members who are dedicated to realizing a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones.

We look forward to strengthening our partnership with The Sustainability Institute and continuing to build an economy that works for all South Carolinians, and Americans, together.