SouthernCarolina Alliance has been selected to receive a $1.2 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to make rail infrastructure improvements at the South Carolina Advanced Technology Park. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create additional jobs and private investment in the region. According to Danny Black, President and CEO of SouthernCarolina Alliance, the organization received notification of the selection in mid-August and completed a mandatory compliance conference with the EDA, Lower Savannah Council of Governments, and staff on September 1 in order to receive official approval for the ARRA grant. “This grant will be used to make rail improvements needed for incoming industrial projects,” said Black. “These projects will create jobs here at the S.C. Advanced Technology Park now and in the years to come.” The S.C. Advanced Technology Park is home to Kronotex USA, UniTech, Government Training Institute’s outdoor training facilities, Bolin Marketing, and a Horsehead Corporation manufacturing facility, which is currently under construction. The companies located at the 1,607 acre industrial park represent more than $237 million in capital investment. Black thanked Robin Cooley, EDA Regional Representative, and Nora Sanders and Jennifer Tinsley of the Lower Savannah Council of Governments for their assistance in securing the ARRA grant. “With the new ARRA guidelines and program, our organization will be following specific reporting and grant administration guidelines,” said Black. “These individuals have really gone out of their way to assist us and to demonstrate their desire to help us create jobs in our rural region.” EDA is an agency within the U.S. Commerce Department and supports the economic development needs of distressed communities throughout the United States. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov. For more information on ARRA, visit the website: www.recovery.gov. Click here for letter from SouthernCarolina President, Danny Black, certifying that the project has received full review and vetting as required by law. For more information on this announcement, contact: | 
