EASLEY — The City of Easley is one of 15 communities from across South Carolina that will benefit from public improvement projects supported by more than $9.8 million in funds from the latest round of Community Development Block Grant program.
The S.C. Department of Commerce is awarding CDBG funds to these communities, representing more than 6,900 residents.
The City of Easley has been awarded $750,000 for a West End sewer upgrade.
“The importance of the CDBG program cannot be overstated,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “This initiative has had an incredibly positive impact on communities across our state, supporting stronger infrastructure and boosting quality of life for our residents.”
S.C. Commerce awards CDBG funds in the fall and the spring of each year. Selected through a statewide competitive process, local governments receiving CDBG funds are required to provide at least a 10 percent match in funding to complete the projects.
Grant funds are allocated on an annual basis to South Carolina from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and S.C. Commerce administers the CDBG program on the state’s behalf. CDBG assists communities in providing housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities.
All grants awarded through the CDBG program must meet at least one of three objectives:
• Benefit LMI (low- to moderate-income) persons.
• Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blighting conditions.
• Meet other urgent community development needs where existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to public health and welfare, and where other financial resources are not readily available to meet such needs.