How South Carolina is spending federal infrastructure dollars

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The federal government has announced $5.5 billion in funds toward South Carolina infrastructure projects. Most of these funds are going toward transportation projects, at 65.6%, which this analysis will cover more thoroughly in the next section.

Perhaps surprisingly, Charleston County received the most federal funding in the state at $253.0 million, despite not being the most populous. However, that only includes projects where White House data specified the county, leaving out billions of dollars across hundreds of projects.

Some of the largest non-transportation projects in South Carolina were funded through the Broadband Equity, Access, And Deployment Program; the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund - Solar for All Program; the Home Energy Performance-Based, Whole-House Rebates; and others.

Where South Carolina infrastructure dollars are going
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Transportation projects dominate overall infrastructure funding allocations, according to the data. Just over half of federal dollars announced so far are geared toward transportation projects across the country. Within the category, most funding has been doled out to build, repair, or modernize roads, bridges, and other major projects. The same is true in South Carolina, where 76.2% of transportation funds are going toward these.

Some initiatives, like the National Highway Performance Program and National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, provided specific allocations to states to invest in broad categories. Others were awarded through applications for more specific expansion or repair projects. A few of the large titled projects in South Carolina include:
- $100 million in Capital Investment Grants funding for the Charleston, Lowcountry Rapid Transit
- $51 million in Bridge Investment Program funding for the Investing in South Carolina's Rural Bridges
- $26 million in Low or No Emission (Bus) Grants funding for the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority

This is a snapshot of allocations as of July, but new projects are announced every couple of weeks. With so much funding going into the nation's infrastructure, residents are likely to encounter working crews and new features wherever they travel—whether driving, by plane, on public transit, or otherwise—for years to come. Lawmakers hope that these efforts will modernize the nation, enhance safety and resilience, all the while creating jobs and boosting American industries.

This story features data reporting and writing by Paxtyn Merten and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.

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