Hello everyone! Thank you for the warm welcome from Mayor Robinson and Administrator Hall. I am so pleased to be here in Lake City with my friend, and one of the great leaders of this country, Congressman Clyburn, to celebrate this significant milestone for disaster relief in South Carolina.

Communities in this state are unfortunately no stranger to extreme weather, and like so many other states across the country, the need for robust disaster relief resources could not be greater.

President Biden and Vice President Harris understand that when we protect our communities from the impact of natural disasters and shore up their recovery capabilities, we foster stronger economies, mitigate devastation, and save lives.

At the Department of Commerce, we are focused on creating an economy that works for all Americans, and building resilient infrastructure is key to getting us there.

That’s why our Economic Development Administration has announced the awarding of a $13.5 million grant to Lake City, South Carolina, for water infrastructure improvements needed to support local businesses.

This grant will alleviate flooding in the city, helping to reduce structural and economic damage to businesses, homes, and infrastructure. EDA’s investment will also be matched with $1.3 million dollars in local funds, demonstrating the commitment of this community and the critical importance of partnerships at all levels of government.

This project is one of many funded by legislation championed by leaders like Congressman Clyburn and as a result, nearly half a billion dollars in additional funds were provided to EDA to bolster disaster relief and recovery for areas just like here in Lake City.

Investments like these are crucial in the wake of natural disasters. Just a few short weeks ago, Hurricane Debby passed through and brought torrential rainfall. It’s a clear reminder that the devastating impacts of climate change are here right now and we must act accordingly. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Lake City to protect your economic future.

This type of extreme weather can take a disastrous toll people’s lives and livelihoods, and hinder their ability to lead lives of dignity, but make no mistake: the Biden-Harris Administration is on a mission to change that.

Our goal is not simply to help rebuild disaster impacted areas, but also to help chart this country’s course toward increased economic growth and opportunity – because when America’s communities are protected, its economy prospers. We’re creating an economy where your zip code doesn’t determine your destiny and we’re doing that by making historic investments across the nation that will give communities the launch pad they need to compete and thrive in the 21^st century, and create good-paying, family sustaining jobs for the young people in the audience here today.

We’re employing strategies that center equity, so that minority and underserved communities can fully participate in these new opportunities. EDA’s Tech Hub and Recompete Programs, for example, are designed to supercharge innovation – ensuring that the economic benefits of these investments flow through all our communities, not just some. Our Internet for All Initiative is connecting households and businesses across the country to reliable, high-speed internet so that no family has to choose which of their children gets to finish their homework because their bandwidth is limited, and so that small businesses can access a broad market of customers to grow their enterprise, and so that our seniors — no matter how far they live from a doctor —- can always access telehealth when they need it.

This Administration—and our partners in Congress like Congressman Clyburn – have been working around the clock to meet you and your communities where you are, helping you take center stage in policy decisions that affect your daily lives.

I’m excited to see these resources make a real, measurable impact for this city and for this state, and I look forward to working with Congressman Clyburn and leaders across the state to ensure South Carolinian’s safety, security, and success.