Claflin University News April 22, 2022 A VISIT TO CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY FROM GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS HELPS TO HIGHLIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS IN RURAL SOUTH CAROLINA On Friday, April 22, 2022, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan and Congressman James E. Clyburn joined U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Senior Advisor to the President and Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator Mitch Landrieu to highlight the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to rebuilding America's infrastructure in rural communities. The visit highlighted federal funding opportunities available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for communities in South Carolina. Regan, Clyburn, Raimondo, and Landrieu toured the Orangeburg water treatment plant and railroad corner redevelopment project, followed by a roundtable with local stakeholders to address water infrastructure needs and discuss federal efforts to ensure residents have access to clean, reliable water. They also joined Claflin University students to discuss the importance of strengthening the relationship between Historically Black Colleges and Universities and federal agencies. The day concluded with a visit to the Orangeburg County Library's community conference center for a roundtable discussion to hear from local leaders on the importance of having accessible and affordable broadband in their communities. Sandra M. Phoenix, Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance 678-210-5801 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> Seek justice, honor the ancestors, honor the children and those yet to come. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/