In economic development, our job is to provide opportunities for South Carolinians in all corners of our state. That includes communities big and small. In fact, with 14% percent of South Carolinians living in rural areas, the Palmetto State's smaller communities are an integral part of our overall economy. And, we've been making great strides.
Last year, as the world navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, capital investment in South Carolina's rural communities nearly doubled from 2019, topping more than $1.1 billion in 2020. That's an incredible accomplishment and a testament to our state's business-friendly climate and advantageous labor environment.
One example of a major economic win was the announcement of the Agriculture Technology Campus in Hampton County last September. The $314 million project will create 1,500 new jobs over the next five years. Other sizable rural announcements in 2020 included Huber Engineered Woods LLC in Dillon County, Pure Blue Fish in Orangeburg County and Oldcastle APG in Fairfield County.
To ensure resilient communities, Team S.C. continues to recruit industries of all types to the state's rural areas. And, we recognize that rural economic development should focus on the unique strengths of each region. However, one component is critical to quality of life throughout the state: access to high-speed internet. More than ever, when online connectivity is essential to education, business and economic competitiveness, it is imperative that rural South Carolina has access to reliable broadband networks.
In 2019, S.C. Commerce was allocated $65 million by the General Assembly to help facilitate economic development and infrastructure improvements in 14 eligible counties. Recognizing the increasing importance of internet access, up to $30 million of the total funding will be allocated to the Office of Regulatory Staff for the continuance of the program to provide competitive grants to broadband providers to advance broadband deployment in those specified counties. The remainder of the funding, $35 million, is designated to provide grants to eligible counties to enhance economic development competitiveness.
These topics, that are critical to growth, are some of the many points of discussion at the 31st annual South Carolina Rural Summit. Taking place March 1-2, the event will welcome local officials and economic development allies from across the state, feature an exciting line-up of speakers and take an in-depth look at subjects including broadband expansion, childcare, rural resiliency and more. This year, S.C. Commerce is partnering with SCETV to host the event virtually.
The S.C. Rural Summit is a great opportunity for local leaders to develop strategic growth plans for their individual areas. Through this collaboration and discussion, we'll be able to maximize the potential of rural South Carolina, ensuring a competitive future across all of our state.