Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250- 1417

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a $25 million rural development loan for Edisto Electric Cooperative in Bamberg. The funds will be used to construct additions and modifications to the existing electric transmission system, build 299 miles of new distribution lines, and make other improvements to the system. The upgrades will serve over 3,200 new customers. Graham noted that according to USDA statistics, 23 jobs are created for every $1 million dollars of Federal investment in electric infrastructure. “This is great news for Bamberg and the surrounding area,” said Graham. “The money invested in this project will enable the Edisto Electric Co-op to better serve its customers, and make the area more attractive for future economic development.” ####