COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The state budget crunch means South Carolina's environmental and health agency will likely close some of its rural health clinics.

The State of Columbia reports the leader of the Department of Health and Environmental Control told the agency's board Thursday that it will also offer early retirement to its employees.

Commissioner Earl Hunter says DHEC has to cut nearly 26 million dollars from its budget.

Hunter says it is likely some of DHEC's 95 health clinics will close, meaning rural residents will have to drive farther to get medical care.

Hunter says layoffs will only happen if DHEC doesn't have enough employees take early retirement.