one more to the lake essay

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Analysis of E. B. White’s “Once More to the Lake”

E.B. White’s essay, Once More to the Lake , which was first published in 1941, describes his experience as he revisits a childhood lake in Maine. This revisiting is a journey in which White delights in memories associated with his childhood and the lake. In effect, his mindset transforms and goes back to his childhood. This transformation is necessary for him to find enjoyment in the journey. However, the transformation also emphasizes an altered perception of the actual lake. For instance, instead of viewing the lake as it is, he uses his childhood eyes to perceive the lake. This condition creates an interesting departure from reality into what he wants to see based on his childhood experiences. Once More to the Lake is a depiction of E. B. White’s experience as he visits a lake once again – the lake that he has been fond of since childhood.

E. B. White’s experience brings him to the lakefront, where he finds himself staring at the same lake, which is virtually unchanged. This means that White focuses on the unchanging things despite the surrounding changes and the changes that he experiences in his life. White wants to emphasize the permanence of some things, or at least the permanence of the memory of those things, despite the never-ending change that happens in the world.

Even though the lake itself has not changed, E. B. White’s essay indicates that there are some changes in things that are separate from the lake. For example, when White arrives at the lakefront, he wishes to enjoy the scene and the experience of being at the lake once again, but he becomes bothered by the noise of the new boats that are on the lake. The new boats have noisier engines.

E. B. White wants to show that technology can be disruptive. Technology can, indeed, make things become faster and more efficient, but it can also make things noisier, more disruptive, or undesirable. Thus, White emphasizes the negative side of new technologies. Nonetheless, as White continues his story, it is indicated that he has a liking for old engines. This liking started from his childhood. Even though he first views technology as something disruptive, the essay also touches on personal perception and preference. For instance, White does not like the new engines and the noise they make. However, this dislike could be due to his desire and expectation to see boats with the old engines that he saw in his childhood.

Some things may not change. All things change based on the underlying principle that nothing is constant in this world and that every little thing changes. However, there are some things that may not change, such as the thought of a person, the feelings that one has toward other people, and the longing for something. E.B. White shows that the lake is unchanged, but this may be only in his own perception. It is possible that the lake has already changed when he arrives as an adult at the lakefront, but his perception of the lake does not change. This perception and the associated emotions do not change, as he still likes what he sees and feels.

His experience of being at the lakefront brings him back to his childhood years when he was a boy experiencing the lake. Considering that White shows that his perception switches between that of an adult and that of a boy, it is arguable that his actual experience of the lake as an adult is marred by such switching between perceptions. It is possible that the actual lake that he revisits is already different, but his perception, as a boy, does not change, thereby making the lake only virtually unchanged. Also, the technology that he refers to, in the form of new and noisier engines, may have also been affected by such switching in his perceptions. It is possible that the new and noisier boats are not really that disruptive. It is just that he is used to the old and less noisy ones, thereby making his claims about the new boats personally subjective and not necessarily real.

E.B. White’s lake is a symbol of the role of physical spaces in personal development. For example, the essay shows that the lake serves as a setting for familial interactions, especially in the author’s past. Also, the lake serves as a venue for reflection. When White goes back to the lake, it facilitates his reflection of change and development. The lake helps him think back and develop a better understanding of his situation.

E.B. White’s essay, Once More to the Lake , supports the idea of the necessity of permanence in life. Even though the lake has changed over the years, it remains a lake that the author can visit. His current visit to the lake also represents his desire to be there. The lake stands as a reminder of his childhood experiences. In this regard, the lake sheds light on the benefit of having some form or degree of permanence in life. This permanence can help anchor the person and his psychological development.

• White, E. B. (1941). Once More to the Lake .
• White, E. B. (2016). Essays of E. B. White . Perennial.
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Once More to the Lake Summary & Analysis

Summary of once more to the lake by e.b. white.

“Once More to the Lake” is one of White’s most acclaimed essays by E.B. White. Published in 1941, it is a deeply personal and reflective piece that explores the theme of the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life. The essay recounts White’s visit to a lake in Maine, where he had spent summers as a child, and the profound impact it has on him as he relives his memories while observing his own son experience the same setting. In the essay, White skillfully combines vivid descriptions and sensory imagery to transport the reader to the lake, evoking a sense of nostalgia and creating a richly detailed atmosphere. Through his observations, White contemplates the changes that time has wrought upon the lake and himself, ultimately coming to a realization about the universal truths of life and mortality.

Once More to the Lake | Summary

“Once More to the Lake” is an autobiographical essay written by E.B. White. The essay revolves around White’s visit to a lake in Maine, where he used to vacation as a child, with his own son. White reflects upon the passage of time and the changes that have occurred since his childhood.

As White revisits the lake, he finds himself experiencing a sense of déjà vu, as the surroundings and activities mirror those of his own youth. He vividly describes the sights, sounds, and smells of the lake, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia. White observes his son engaging in activities that he himself once enjoyed, blurring the lines between past and present.

Throughout the essay, White contemplates the notion of time and its impact on both the physical environment and human existence. He comes to the realization that although the lake itself remains relatively unchanged, he has grown older and is now confronted with his own mortality. This recognition of the universal cycle of life and the passage of time brings forth a profound and somber reflection on the nature of existence.

Once More to the Lake | Analysis

“Once More to the Lake” is a deeply personal and autobiographical essay that emerges from a firsthand experience shared by many generations of Americans: the tradition of escaping to a mountain lake during the summertime. The specific lake mentioned in White’s essay is Great Pond, which is part of the Belgrade Lakes in the vicinity of Belgrade, Maine.

The essay’s personal and autobiographical nature is evidenced by its use of concrete and specific language. This language establishes the essay’s adherence to Huxley’s criteria for excellence, particularly in terms of presenting objective facts and focusing on tangible details. Ultimately, White’s contemplation of these specific details, both remembered and freshly observed, leads him to a profound realization that transcends the individual experience and embraces a universal truth.

Before arriving, the narrator holds a pessimistic view of the lake, convinced that it has undergone significant negative changes. White crafts the sentence in a way that attributes these alterations to the passage of time. The personification employed portrays Time as a character whose actions impact the lake. However, contrary to his initial assumptions, once the narrator arrives with his son, he realizes that the patterns of foliage and ripples on the water have undergone minimal change. However, it is the act of fishing with his son that solidifies his conviction “beyond any doubt that everything was as it always had been, that the years were a mirage and that there had been no years”. This realization is triggered by a dragonfly perching on the tip of his fishing rod. As he gently lowers the rod into the water, causing the dragonfly to dart a couple of feet away, hover, return, and settle on the rod a little further up, he asserts that “there had been no years between the ducking of this dragonfly and the other one – the one that was part of memory”. White’s observations are as meticulous as those of a scientist recording field notes, and his language is equally precise. The identification of the present moment with his past experience is further reinforced by the specific details of the lake and the boat.

In the conclusion of “Once More to the Lake,” White employs a powerful metaphor to convey a universal truth derived from his keen observations of the lake, his son, and his own reactions to them. It is a simple yet profoundly impactful realization that the unending cycle of life, which made him a father, will also lead him to his own mortality. The personal acceptance of this truth unfolds gradually, but its final realization jolts him. Upon returning to the lake, White experiences an emotional dissonance as he relives the memories and sensations of his childhood while simultaneously witnessing his son go through them for the first time. This peculiar sensation creates a sense of occasionally being his son, engaging in fishing and boating, and at other times being his own father. White’s internal struggle to reconcile these shifting perspectives exists on both conscious and subconscious levels. The conflict becomes evident on the first morning when White compares his son’s actions with his own habitual behaviors from years past.

Once More to the Lake | Themes

White’s essay revolves around the theme of the passage of time and the inevitable transformations it brings. As he revisits the lake after a considerable span of years, accompanied by his son Joe, White is confronted with numerous changes. He grapples with the illusion that the idyllic world of his childhood, as well as his present experience within it, has remained unchanged. However, while the lake itself retains its essence, White acknowledges that he himself has evolved, ultimately accepting a profound irony of life: just like the enduring natural cycle of birth, childhood, maturity, and death, he too is subject to the inevitable course leading to mortality.

Once More to the Lake | Literary Devices

White employs metaphors to convey deeper meanings and universal truths. For example, he uses the metaphor of the lake as a “cathedral” to describe its stillness and sacredness. Another metaphor is the “horizon” to symbolize the approaching end of life and the cycle of existence.

Summary & Analysis of Greasy Lake

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Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White

Table of Contents

“Once More to the Lake” is a famous essay written by E.B. White , an American writer and essayist, in 1941. The essay reflects on the passage of time and the cycle of life, as White recounts a visit to a lake in Maine that he had experienced as a child and now revisits with his own son.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- In the essay, White uses vivid descriptions and personal reflections to explore the themes of memory, mortality, and the nature of change. He starts by setting the scene of his return to the lake, describing the familiar sights and sounds that evoke a sense of nostalgia. As he spends time at the lake, he reflects on the similarities and differences between his current experience and the memories of his childhood.

Also Read:- Shooting An Elephant Essay Summary By George Orwell

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- White is struck by the realization that time has passed and that he has grown older. He finds himself observing his son as he engages in activities that he once did himself as a child. This juxtaposition of past and present leads White to reflect on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitable passage of time.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- Throughout the essay, White explores the idea of the “eternal present,” where past and present merge, and he becomes one with his memories. He also contemplates the concept of mortality and the cyclical nature of life, as he witnesses his son’s experiences mirroring his own.

“Once More to the Lake” is considered a classic piece of American literature due to its introspective nature and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection in the reader. It is a contemplative essay that raises existential questions about the human experience and the impact of time on our perceptions of ourselves and the world around us.

About E.B. White

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- Elwyn Brooks White, commonly known as E.B. White, was an American writer born on July 11, 1899, in Mount Vernon, New York. He is regarded as one of the most influential figures in American literature, particularly known for his contributions to children’s literature and his essays.

White attended Cornell University, where he graduated in 1921. After college, he began his writing career as a reporter for The Seattle Times. He later worked as a freelance writer for various publications, including The New Yorker magazine. It was during his time at The New Yorker that he developed his distinctive writing style and gained recognition as an accomplished essayist.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- In addition to his essays, E.B. White made significant contributions to children’s literature. He published his first children’s book, “Stuart Little,” in 1945, which tells the story of a mouse born to human parents. 

The book was well-received and became a classic. He followed it up with his most famous work, “Charlotte’s Web,” in 1952, which tells the story of a spider named Charlotte and her friendship with a pig named Wilbur. “Charlotte’s Web” is considered one of the greatest children’s books of all time and has won numerous awards.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- E.B. White’s writing was characterized by his precise and evocative language, his ability to capture the essence of human experiences, and his deep appreciation for nature and animals. His works often explore themes such as friendship, love, loss, and the complexities of the human condition.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- In addition to his children’s books and essays, White co-authored “The Elements of Style” in 1918 with his professor William Strunk Jr. This renowned guide to English grammar and style is widely used and considered a valuable resource for writers.

E.B. White received several prestigious awards for his literary contributions, including the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal and a special Pulitzer Prize for his body of work.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- He passed away on October 1, 1985, at the age of 86, leaving behind a significant legacy in American literature. His works continue to be celebrated and cherished by readers of all ages.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- The essay’s themes of nostalgia, the eternal present, and the interconnectedness of past and present resonate with readers and invite them to reflect on their own experiences and the impact of time on their lives. 

White’s skillful storytelling and introspective tone make “Once More to the Lake” a timeless piece of literature that continues to captivate readers and provoke thought about the human condition.

Ultimately, “Once More to the Lake” serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing moments and connections with loved ones.

Once More to the Lake Essay Summary By E.B. White- It urges us to embrace the present, while also acknowledging the interconnectedness of our past experiences. Through White’s lyrical prose, the essay invites us to contemplate our own mortality and to find meaning and beauty in the ever-changing cycle of life.

Q: When was E.B. White born? 

A: E.B. White, whose full name was Elwyn Brooks White, was born on July 11, 1899.

Q: What other notable works did E.B. White write? 

A: E.B. White is best known for his contributions to children’s literature, particularly for his books “Charlotte’s Web” (1952) and “Stuart Little” (1945). He also co-authored “The Elements of Style” (1918), a widely respected guide to English grammar and style.

Q: Did E.B. White win any awards for his writing? 

A: Yes, E.B. White received several awards and honors throughout his career. He was awarded the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal in 1970 for his lasting contributions to children’s literature. He also received a special Pulitzer Prize in 1978 for his body of work as a distinguished and versatile essayist, humorist, and author.

Q: What was E.B. White’s writing style like? 

A: E.B. White’s writing style was known for its clarity, simplicity, and elegance. He had a talent for vividly describing scenes and characters, often with a touch of wit and humor. His prose was accessible to readers of all ages, and he had a unique ability to convey deep emotions and profound ideas in a relatable and engaging manner.

Q: When did E.B. White pass away? 

A: E.B. White passed away on October 1, 1985, at the age of 86.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Book Review — The Passage of Time in E.B. White’s ‘Once More to the Lake’

The Passage of Time in E.b. White's 'Once More to The Lake'

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Once More to the Lake

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First published in Harper’s magazine in 1941, “Once More to the Lake” narrates White’s visit to Belgrade Lakes, Maine, where he had vacationed as a child.

Golden Pond in Belgrade Lakes. Image via Maine Travel Maven.

For a fresh look at White’s timeless children’s novel, Charlotte’s Web , read the Lit Genius original, “Hidden Threads: Revisiting "Charlotte’s Web”.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

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What Is the Thesis of “Once More to the Lake” by E.B. White?

“Once More to the Lake” is an essay by E.B. White describing his emotions when he returns to a childhood summer place. He had first visited the Maine camp with his own father in 1904, and he revisits in 1941 with his son. He compares the lake of his memory with the largely unchanged contemporary scene and simultaneously experiences the place through his son’s eyes and his own.

White’s essay follows the trail of memory as he and his son drive to the cabin and unload their gear, rent a motorized boat for bass fishing and dine at a local restaurant. White begins to feel as though he is the son listening to his father’s words coming out of his own mouth. He imagines that time has stood still and that a dragonfly, the bather with a bar of soap and teenagers in a steamship cruise boat are the same ones he had noticed as a child.

The essay is an exercise in duality. Is White the son or the father? Has time passed or is it frozen? It ends with White feeling the “chill of death” as he watches his son pull a soggy, cold bathing suit up around “his vitals,” a reference to his own mortality.

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Once More to the Lake

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Officials Asked for Public Comment on Proposed DuSable Lake Shore Drive Redesign. They Got an Earful

For more than a decade, the Illinois and Chicago departments of transportation have been holding public meetings on a proposed redesign of North DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Earlier this month , they held an open house to show off their preferred option — one that doesn’t include a dedicated or shared lane for buses that’s aimed at improving often sluggish transit travel times.

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Many residents who commented on the plans slammed the agencies for it, documents show.

CDOT provided WTTW News with 308 public comments under a Freedom of Information Act request. Almost all were forms filled out at the open house, with a handful sent via email.

Of the 308 comments, 192 say the proposed redesign doesn’t do nearly enough to improve public transportation, with one saying “transit has been given the scraps of scraps.”

Another commenter, who says they’re a low-income resident who depends on transit, wrote that “you are trying to re-entrench a structure and a social order that favors wealthy commuters and their free time at the expense of Black and Brown working class Chicagoans. None of that is new to Chicago.”

Many commenters slammed planners for focusing on moving drivers along the corridor as efficiently as possible, with one writing that the proposal “locks in the century old assumptions about cars bringing freedom that have filled our world with concrete and called it progress.”

Another put it more bluntly: “This plan is the most car friendly plan possible, as if Henry Ford and Elon Musk designed it!”

Of the 192 respondents who say the plan fails transit, 112 of them specifically call for a bus lane. The option IDOT and CDOT said is their preferred choice only creates bus priority at on and off ramps, but has no dedicated or shared bus lane.

“To refuse to build bus-only lanes in 2024 while declaring that this project serves transit users is unconscionable,” one person wrote. “This project is asking the question ‘How can we improve this highway on the lakefront?’ rather than asking ‘How can we better move people along our lakefront?’”

The rallying cry of “no highway on the lakefront” has long been a focus of Lake Shore Drive’s opponents, who say it runs counter to the idea of a shoreline open to all.

“This plan had the premise that Lake Shore Drive is essentially a highway and will continue to be -- with everything else built upon this idea,” a commenter wrote. “This is not the way things need to be!”

The anti-Lake Shore Drive sentiment was echoed by a significant number of the remaining 116 people who didn’t specifically mention transit, with one asking “How many Chicagoans need to tell you they don’t want a highway before you bring any amount of bold vision to your plans?”

About two dozen comments leaned positive or were supportive of the project. Some appreciated the proposal’s plans for pedestrian access, bicycle infrastructure and new park space. Others said the Drive should remain a thoroughfare for drivers.

“I support the proposal,” one person wrote. “Automobile LSD access is one of the major reasons I like living in Edgewater.”

“Please DO NOT indulge the small, vocal minority of anti-car activists, and the politicians catering to their madness,” said another.

Some of those activists and politicians rallied outside the open house , saying the proposed overhaul doesn’t go far enough to increase lakefront access, improve transit trips or help Chicago meet its climate goals — calling for IDOT and CDOT to pause the process and drastically rethink their plans.

Those departments did not respond to a question from WTTW about whether they’ve considered putting on the brakes. But in a joint statement, IDOT and CDOT said their work “has been guided by an extensive public engagement process.”

“This has included more than 80 stakeholder meetings, 14 Task Force meetings, 13 Community meetings, and the collection of thousands of written comments and survey responses, in addition to those received at the public hearing earlier this month,” the statement reads. “Throughout this engagement, the project team has consistently heard that the redesign of NDLSD should prioritize transit, design for people, enhance parks, build in climate resiliency, improve safety and operations, and preserve the character of the roadway.”

Commenters also said planners need to do more to reduce the noise of speeding cars; reduce the number of lanes and keep the Oak Street curve in place to prevent further speeding; and move the lakefront trail away from the Drive so motorists and cyclists aren’t side by side.

Asked how they plan to incorporate the feedback, IDOT and CDOT said they “appreciate the public’s interest and the valuable feedback received at the Aug. 8 public open house meeting. We are actively reviewing those and all other comments that we’ve received and continue to receive.”

Elected officials joined in the August rally calling for a pause in the planning process, including Alds. Maria Hadden, Bennett Lawson, Daniel La Spata, Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth and Andre Vasquez; state Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago); and state Rep. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago).

Asked whether transportation planners have spoken with opposition politicians, IDOT and CDOT said in their statement: “The project team continues to engage with elected officials and other stakeholders and will conduct additional analysis and coordination to further refine the preferred multimodal roadway alternative so that it ensures the project is minimizing impacts, preserving and enhancing the existing park land, as well as improving all modes of transportation to, from, and along the north lakefront.”

Regional Transportation Authority Chair Kirk Dillard has joined the chorus of politicians calling for buses to get dedicated space on the redesigned Drive, noting bus rapid transit is backed both by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s transition report and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

“Compared to our peers, the Chicago region is falling behind when it comes to dedicating roadway space for public transit,” Dillard wrote in a letter to the Chicago Sun-Times . “Los Angeles, Seattle, Miami, Minneapolis, Houston and Phoenix all have over 100 miles of transit-only or transit-priority roadway lanes. Chicago has less than 15.”

While Chicago Transit Authority President Dorval Carter didn’t quite give bus lanes on the Drive his full-throated approval, at a CTA board meeting earlier this month he said the protesters outside the IDOT/CDOT open house meeting were heard “very loud and clear.”

“I don’t have a crystal ball as to whether that will influence the final outcome of this process one way or another, but certainly I do know that it was heard,” Carter said. “That kind of advocacy is always very helpful because it amplifies a lot of what CTA tries to convey in terms of what we believe is the position on various issues and how it may affect our customers.”

IDOT and CDOT said there isn’t an “immediate deadline” to choose a redesign, but that there’s an urgent need to move ahead.

“Aging infrastructure along NDLSD that is beyond its intended service life now requires frequent, costly and disruptive repairs that impact people traveling along or to the north lakefront,” the departments said in a statement. “Complete reconstruction is critically needed to protect the park, trails and roadway from the effects of climate change and to promote a more accessible and multimodal transportation corridor for all users.”

IDOT and CDOT said they’ll take feedback anytime at [email protected] , with comments submitted by Sept. 9 becoming part of the official record.

Contact Nick Blumberg:  [email protected]  | (773) 509-5434 | @ ndblumberg

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Once More to the Lake

16 pages • 32 minutes read

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Essay Analysis

Key Figures

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Personification

White persistently describes his surroundings in human terms in order to better describe them. An example occurs in the essay’s first paragraph, when White describes “the restlessness of the tide” (1) to emphasize the lake’s relaxing elements in contrast to the ocean’s volatility. Another example of personification appears when White notes the noise of the outboard motors and the “petulant, irritable” noises they make. These descriptions contrast with the old two-cylinder motors, which “purred and purred” (4), and the one-cylinder motors that “[eat] out of your hand if you got really close to it spiritually” (4). By describing these old motors as if they are obedient domestic pets, they heighten the irritation caused by the outboard motors, which are described as if they were bothersome children.

Metaphor/Simile

White makes use of comparisons in the form of metaphor and simile in order to enrich the quality of his descriptions. Throughout the essay, he uses “like” to compare an object with something dissimilar; these similes lend depth to his writing. For example, White complains that the outboard motorboats “whined about one's ears like mosquitoes” (4), underscoring the annoyance he feels at their presence. Later, he notes that a thunderstorm rolling in over the lake “was like the revival of an old melodrama that I had seen long ago with childish awe” (5). Here, White uses a simile to invoke the marvels of childhood once more.

More broadly, the lake itself acts as a metaphor for the cycles of life, particularly as they pertain to childhood and the season of summer. By revisiting the lake, White feels as though he has returned to his youth. White expresses this metaphor most clearly when White reflects on summertime: “Summertime, oh summertime, pattern of life indelible, the fade proof lake, the woods unshatterable” (3). The lake is explicitly identified with the eternal return of summer, recalling White’s childhood summers at the lake, which he associates with these broader cycles of life and nature. 

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Imperiled by Volcanic Eruptions, Iceland Scoops Up Answers From the Deep

Earth scientists are working to determine the course of future lava flows in Iceland’s southwestern corner one bucketful at a time.

Lava from the April 2024 eruptions in the Svartsengi area of the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland. Credit...

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Photographs by Gaia Squarci

Text by Robin George Andrews

• Aug. 30, 2024

Iceland is a citadel built from volcanic fire. Its residents are familiar with their country’s frequent volcanic eruptions, most of which are more beautiful than bothersome. But in 2021, the nation was left awe-struck when part of a long-dormant corner of the island burst into magmatic flames, starting a fire that could burn for decades to come.

The first eruption came as a shock. But today, lava regularly snaking across the landscape is the new normal . “This was so strange at the beginning,” said Rebekka Hlin Runarsdottir , a geologist and technician at the University of Iceland. “And now, we’re just living in this reality.”

It’s been 800 years since the southwestern Reykjanes Peninsula was host to active streams of lava. Hoping to find out why volcanism has re-emerged there, scientists are snatching samples of molten rock whenever it bleeds out of the crust.

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U.S. Department of Commerce

Was this page helpful, remarks by deputy secretary of commerce don graves at the south carolina economic disaster relief grant announcement, office of public affairs.

Hello everyone! Thank you for the warm welcome from Mayor Robinson and Administrator Hall. I am so pleased to be here in Lake City with my friend, and one of the great leaders of this country, Congressman Clyburn, to celebrate this significant milestone for disaster relief in South Carolina.

Communities in this state are unfortunately no stranger to extreme weather, and like so many other states across the country, the need for robust disaster relief resources could not be greater.

President Biden and Vice President Harris understand that when we protect our communities from the impact of natural disasters and shore up their recovery capabilities, we foster stronger economies, mitigate devastation, and save lives.

At the Department of Commerce, we are focused on creating an economy that works for all Americans, and building resilient infrastructure is key to getting us there.

That’s why our Economic Development Administration has announced the awarding of a $13.5 million grant to Lake City, South Carolina, for water infrastructure improvements needed to support local businesses.

This grant will alleviate flooding in the city, helping to reduce structural and economic damage to businesses, homes, and infrastructure. EDA’s investment will also be matched with $1.3 million dollars in local funds, demonstrating the commitment of this community and the critical importance of partnerships at all levels of government.

This project is one of many funded by legislation championed by leaders like Congressman Clyburn and as a result, nearly half a billion dollars in additional funds were provided to EDA to bolster disaster relief and recovery for areas just like here in Lake City.

Investments like these are crucial in the wake of natural disasters. Just a few short weeks ago, Hurricane Debby passed through and brought torrential rainfall. It’s a clear reminder that the devastating impacts of climate change are here right now and we must act accordingly. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Lake City to protect your economic future.

This type of extreme weather can take a disastrous toll people’s lives and livelihoods, and hinder their ability to lead lives of dignity, but make no mistake: the Biden-Harris Administration is on a mission to change that.

Our goal is not simply to help rebuild disaster impacted areas, but also to help chart this country’s course toward increased economic growth and opportunity – because when America’s communities are protected, its economy prospers. We’re creating an economy where your zip code doesn’t determine your destiny and we’re doing that by making historic investments across the nation that will give communities the launch pad they need to compete and thrive in the 21 st century, and create good-paying, family sustaining jobs for the young people in the audience here today.

We’re employing strategies that center equity, so that minority and underserved communities can fully participate in these new opportunities. EDA’s Tech Hub and Recompete Programs, for example, are designed to supercharge innovation – ensuring that the economic benefits of these investments flow through all our communities, not just some. Our Internet for All Initiative is connecting households and businesses across the country to reliable, high-speed internet so that no family has to choose which of their children gets to finish their homework because their bandwidth is limited, and so that small businesses can access a broad market of customers to grow their enterprise, and so that our seniors — no matter how far they live from a doctor —- can always access telehealth when they need it.

This Administration—and our partners in Congress like Congressman Clyburn – have been working around the clock to meet you and your communities where you are, helping you take center stage in policy decisions that affect your daily lives.

I’m excited to see these resources make a real, measurable impact for this city and for this state, and I look forward to working with Congressman Clyburn and leaders across the state to ensure South Carolinian’s safety, security, and success.