Bamberg, South Carolina (September 2023) –The theme of the day was persistence and perservearance. 

Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District joined USDA Rural Utilities Administrator the Honorable Andrew Berke and SC Director Dr. Saundra Glover this morning at the Bamberg County Courthouse Annex Isaiah Odom Building Gazebo. They, along with other local, state, and federal dignitaries, announced, detailed, and celebrated Bamberg and Orangeburg Counties as recipients of federal ReConnect Grants for broadband internet. Each county will be awarded $12 million toward internet expansion, affordability, and accessibility. 

The ReConnect Program is part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda and is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This high-speed internet investment is part of the fourth round of the ReConnect Program and will help provide Americans, especially in rural areas, affordable and reliable internet access. After 10 attempts, Bamberg County secured federal funding for broadband internet. Bamberg County Administrator Joey Preston credited Orangeburg County for setting the model for Bamberg County to emulate, stating the journey began in 2018, and affordable, accessible internet access is the “lifeblood of a strong community.” He also thanked Congressman James Clyburn, USDA Administrator Andrew Berke, Senator Brad Hutto, and Representative Justin Bamberg (all in attendance) for their support in helping Bamberg County reach this “historic milestone.”

USDA SC Director Doctor Saundra Glover presided over the ceremony and heartily proclaimed, “Bamberg County has not been left behind when it comes to broadband internet.” She commended Bamberg County Councilmembers and Administrator Joey Preston for their “persistence and perseverance” in making this achievement possible. Dr. Glover also recognized the numerous elected officials in attendance as well as Voorhees University President Dr. Ronnie Hopkins and Denmark Technical College President Dr. Willie L. Todd. 

Bamberg County Council Chairman Dr. Jonathan Goodman, II welcomed everyone and acknowledged, “This didn’t happen overnight but is evidence of the good things that are possible when we all work together.” Following Goodman’s welcome, Vice Chairman Evert Comer stated, “It’s a great day in Bamberg County…we’ve been having a lot of days like this.” He then gave the invocation, which was followed by an explanation of purpose by Mr. Shannon R. Legree, Field Staff Branch Chief Telecommunications Program/Rural Utilities Service.

Bamberg County Administrator Joey Preston’s remarks followed Mr. Legree stating, “Even without any interest from the private sector, we persevered. During the Covid-19 pandemic, school buses were sent to create hotspots in rural communities without internet access. That was unacceptable then and still is today. Now, with this funding, we can ensure students will be better equipped to succeed whether attending school in-person or virtually.” Mr. Preston further commented, “Affordable, quality internet access will also help us recruit new businesses while helping current ones, especially at-home businesses, succeed.”

Orangeburg County Council Chairman Mr. Johnne Wright, Sr. said, “A team is only as good as its leader, and Congressman Clyburn has always had the mindset, dedication, and commitment to deliver the product of affordable, accessible broadband internet to the good folks of South Carolina.” Mr. Jim Stritzinger, SC Broadband Office Director, also gave remarks and emphasized how strong partnerships between the federal, state, and local government are paramount in providing sound infrastructure for communities across the state and nation. 

Before the official announcement was made by USDA Rural Utilities Service Administrator the Honorable Mr. Andrew Berke, Congressman James Clyburn of District 6 explained the importance of “making America’s greatness accessible and affordable for all” and applauded Governor Henry McMaster for doing his part to help secure the needed $650 million from the American Rescue Bill.

Finally, Mr. Andrew Berke, former Mayor of Chattanooga, Tennessee,  officially announced that Bamberg County will receive $12 million from the ReConnect Program, which has the potential to provide broadband internet access to approximately 2600 Bamberg County residents. 

According to William Metts of Metts Engineering, “With the ReConnect funding, Bamberg County is proposing to construct a Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTP) buried project to increase infrastructure throughout portions of Bamberg County where there is no 25/3 Mbps broadband service available. Bamberg County will place approximately 210 miles of buried fiber in the eastern portion of the county that will pass approximately 2625 potential subscribers. This area includes the communities of Hunter’s Chapel, Denmark, and portions of the City of Bamberg. Bamberg County is one of twelve counties in the state of South Carolina designated as a “Persistent Poverty County,” which means “the residents of this community face specific challenges and will rely on broadband internet services to help grow their local economy and increase their opportunities for the future.”

Ironically, Bamberg County, despite being labeled a “Persistent Poverty County,” has used that persistence to positively and proactively perserveare on the behalf of its citizens. 

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For more information on this press release, email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov.