COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The Legislative Rural Caucus introduced a bill Thursday to create the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Bank.

The bank would reorganize and prioritize where money is spent and ensure that funds reach rural areas.

All areas of the state need resources to attract jobs, said Rep. Jay Lucas, R-Hartsville.

Rural areas of the state have long faced inequity on issues ranging from budget allocation to clean drinking water to education. The rural caucus was created last year by Lucas, Rep. Harry Ott, D-St. Matthews, and Sen. Vincent Sheheen, D-Camden, to address those issues.

The lawmakers say no new taxes or personnel are needed to create the infrastructure bank.

Money for rural South Carolina currently is placed in a general fund, but often is used elsewhere, Lucas said.

The infrastructure bank would set up a $48 million trust fund specifically for rural projects. It also would bring in $25 million in federal match dollars.

Rural towns can then compete for grant money to complete projects, such as setting up water and sewage lines needed to attract businesses.