Wondering where federal funds go in Beaufort County? Here are the top SC recipients
Federal grants are critical in the support and growth of local governments, nonprofits, schools, housing, transportation and more in Beaufort County.
President Donald Trump created uncertainty across the nation on Tuesday, Jan. 28, after he signed an executive order supposedly pausing all federal grant funding.
This was then blocked by a federal judge on Tuesday, Jan. 28 and rescinded on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Despite all the headlines, mass confusion and legal challenges this decision brought, The Island Packet found it important to outline what federal grants Beaufort County receives and what some of the top awards are.
Since Trump’s executive order has been rescinded, federal grants and funding will continue to stay in place.
Here is a rundown of the top 10 federal grants awarded to Beaufort County, according to USASpending.gov. This website tracks how much money the government is obligated or promises to spend and the current outlaid, or amount paid so far.
Beaufort County federal grants
Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services
Obligated Amount: $52,049,034
Outlay Amount: $27,091,925.37
- This grant will fund improvements and updates to care facilities, training and a health center program.
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Obligated Amount: $44,749,524.47
Outlay Amount: $28,729,029.34
- This grant goes to improvements on US 21 over the Harbour River.
Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission Inc.
Obligated Amount: $33,884,315.36
Outlay Amount: $0.00
- This funding is a continuation grant that will provide services to preschool children, infants, toddlers and prenatal women in Beaufort and Jasper counties.
Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission Inc.
Obligated Amount: $33,606,225.86
Outlay Amount: $20,445,667.71
- This grant goes toward community development.
Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission Inc.
Obligated Amount: $30,074,425
Outlay Amount: Amount not yet available
- This award also goes toward community development and disaster recovery.
Obligated Amount: $18,912,922
Outlay Amount: $2,767,363
- This grant award is to help improve the existing airports, including the $300,000 infrastructure grant to the Hilton Head Island Airport.
Beaufort County Memorial Hospital
Obligated Amount: $17,997,000
Outlay Amount: $9,976,908.68
- This grant will be used for updates and improvements within the Beaufort County Memorial Hospital.
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Obligated Amount: $15,000,000
Outlay Amount: Amount not yet available
- This project is geared toward Bluffton Parkway and the construction of a new four-lane road that will stretch from Buckingham Plantation Drive to US 278.
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Obligated Amount: $14,478,315.62
Outlay Amount: $10,331,012.25
- This grant goes to improvements on SC 170 extending from Road S-20 to Route 280.
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Obligated Amount: $13,090,567.23
Outlay Amount: $8,165,619.04
- This project is for the bridge replacement on US 21 that goes over Harbour River in Beaufort County.
Beaufort County School District
The Beaufort County School District also receives federal funding to support its students, programs and teachers. The following list includes the top five funded programs in the Beaufort County School System.
Every Student Succeeds Act (Includes Title I, II, III, IV): These federal grants govern elementary and secondary education in America. It covers the improvement of programming, teacher training, language instruction and other financial aid needs. The price breakdown is as follows:
- Title I: $6,258,074
- Title II: $784,646
- Title III: $3,025,55
- Title IV: $515,485
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA): These grants ensure special education and related services are accessible to children and support early intervention services for infants and toddlers. This goes to both preschool and all other schools in Beaufort County. The price breakdown is as follows:
- IDEA Preschool: $176,500
IDEA: $4,402,839
Magnet Schools Assistance Program: These grants provide eligible education agencies to establish and operate magnet schools. BCSD receives $2,363,534 for these programs.
American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund: These grants provide local educational agencies with emergency relief funds. The BCSD receives $50,976,622 for these funds.
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief for Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act: This act was signed into law on December 27, 2020, and provides additional funds for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief. BCSD receives $22,681,781 in these funds.
BCSD also receives funding for Adult Education. These grants fund local programs of adult education and literacy services such as GED and English as a Second Language. Beaufort County receives $691,874 to fund these programs.
For a comprehensive list of all the federal, state, along with other public and private grants awarded specifically to the Beaufort County School District, you can visit their special revenue and grants webpage.
This story was originally published January 31, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
