South Carolina Infrastructure Projects Generated $66B

State infrastructure investments between 2021 and 2028 bolstered the economy and supported 38,000 jobs.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Employment

South Carolina Infrastructure Projects Generated $66B

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South Carolina directed $39 billion toward infrastructure projects from 2021 to 2028. These initiatives drove $66.6 billion in statewide economic activity while supporting 38,000 jobs.

Why it matters

Infrastructure improvements are intended to attract businesses to the state and ensure workers can live near job locations. These efforts occur alongside regional programs to expand workforce training and housing affordability.

Infrastructure projects from 2021 to 2028 supported 38,000 jobs across South Carolina. The state also tracked a significant cost of living increase, where requirements rose from $36,000 in 2006 to over $90,000 today.

The players

Midlands Technical College

This institution expanded workforce training through a $1 million grant from the Lowe's Foundation.

Charleston Southern University

The university received a $1.2 million federal grant to support specialized aviation workforce development.

Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina

This foundation manages a $100 million initiative aimed at improving housing affordability in three counties.

Lowe's Foundation

This organization provides philanthropic support to trade and workforce training programs.

The details

Projects are paired with workforce initiatives, such as a $1 million Lowe's Foundation grant for Midlands Technical College and a $1.2 million federal grant for aviation training at Charleston Southern University. Additionally, the Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina launched a $100 million housing fund targeting Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties.

2006 marked the baseline when living costs were $36,000.
2021 saw the start of the infrastructure investment period.
2028 is the scheduled conclusion of the infrastructure investment cycle.

Macro View

These infrastructure investments mirror the broader capital allocation trends seen under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The current economic environment suggests a move toward state-led development to combat the rising cost of living that has outpaced historical wage growth.

Residents face a significantly higher cost of living, with basic expenses rising from $36,000 to over $90,000 in two decades. Ongoing housing affordability efforts in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties aim to provide financial relief to households struggling with these changes.

The takeaway

Rapid regional development requires balancing large-scale infrastructure growth with accessible housing and workforce training. Residents should monitor local housing initiatives as the state continues its multi-year investment strategy.