FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 11, 2020

COLUMBIA, S.C. – U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn released the following statement in response to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ 2020 Work Plan released yesterday that includes $5.12 million to complete the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency’s reach to the Winding Woods Commerce Park near St. George.

“When I began working on the Lake Marion Regional Water Agency (LMRWA), I did so because then-South Carolina Commerce Secretary Bob Royall advised me that we would never be able to attract industry or significantly improve the quality of life in the Sixth Congressional District until we solve the water problem.

“For more than 25 years, I have doggedly sought funding to create and expand the LMRWA. After years of laying the groundwork, today we are beginning to realize the promise of this regional water agency.

“This new Army Corps funding is the latest investment to help people along the I-95 enjoy the successes found in other regions because we are overcoming historic neglect and now have the infrastructure to be competitive. The Winding Woods Reach will help attract commercial development to the upper part of Dorchester County, which already enjoy access to highways, railway, and the Charleston port, but lack sufficient water infrastructure. This latest round of funding comes on the heels of the Dorchester Reach and Berkeley extension that will provide water for the expansion of the Volvo Plant and the Ridgeville Industrial Campus in Dorchester County, scheduled to come on line in May.

“The local community will benefit as well with access to reliable, safe drinking water and a dependable source of water for fire hydrants and the local fire departments.”