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(AP) -- COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Authorities say a federal grant will help bring teachers to a rural South Carolina school district by providing them an affordable housing near their job.

Officials in the state's Education and Commerce agencies said Friday the $148,500 grant will help renovate a building in downtown Saluda into energy-efficient apartments. The building's owner has committed to spending an additional $150,000. Teachers in Saluda County's five schools will receive preference for the low-cost rentals.

School officials said the district usually hires about 30 new teachers yearly, and most can't find housing in Saluda.

State Superintendent Jim Rex said housing is key to attracting and keeping quality teachers in poor, rural districts, where turnover rates are high.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

APNP 03-20-09 1515EDT

(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)