BAMBERG, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – About a month after the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Bamberg County received much-needed new heavy equipment with the help of Congressman Clyburn and the United States Department of Agriculture.

In July, the USDA awarded Bamberg County a Community Facilities Rural Development Grant in the amount of $381,750.

USDA funds were extended to Bamberg County to purchase heavy equipment as outlined in the 2022 Ian Disaster Project. The following equipment has already been purchased:

• A 2023 CAT 920 wheel loader
• A 2023 CAT 310 mini excavator

Bamberg County will also use the grant funds to purchase a 16.2 cubic yard dump truck in the near future.

In 2024 alone, Bamberg County has experienced multiple severe weather events, with two months left in the year with possible winter weather complications. In the wake of the January tornado, Bamberg County was faced with the difficult task of clearing Highway 601/Main Highway, an essential thoroughfare for citizens and business owners.

Similarly, after Tropical Storms Debby and Helene, several county roads, including residential roads, were completely washed out.

The new heavy equipment will prove invaluable to future storm recovery efforts by increasing capacity and efficiency.

County Council President Evert Comer, Jr. thanked Bamberg County staff for securing the grant and the USDA for its approval. He stated, “Without the assistance of Congressman Clyburn and the USDA, we would not have been able to purchase this necessary equipment, which will mitigate our current and future storm recovery efforts.”

“This heavy equipment is essential to rebuilding and maintaining our infrastructure, especially as natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, the January Tornado, Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene have become more frequent. This equipment will not only help us recover from recent storms but also prepare for future ones,” said County Administrator Joey Preston.

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