Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Senate unanimously passed the 2004 Veterans’ Affairs, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill. The bill contains $5.7 million dollars for South Carolina projects. “The funding provided for South Carolina projects in this bill is extremely important because it supports actual bricks and mortar construction projects,” said Graham. “These are tangible improvements in a variety of areas including water infrastructure, education, economic development, housing and others. These projects truly improve the lives of South Carolinians and promote future economic development.” South Carolina Projects Included in the Bill

• $2 million increase in funding for the School of Science and Mathematics at the College of Charleston to enhance and expand science and technology programs;
• $1.2 million to the Town of Ravenel for the construction of a main sewer transmission line along US HWY 17;
• $1 million to the Five Rivers Community Development Corporation in Georgetown for economic development and affordable housing;
• $1 million to the Commission of Public Works of the City of Charleston for wastewater tunnel replacement;
• $1 million Rock Hill for the revitalization and development of the Arcade-Westside area of Rock Hill;
• $500,000 to the Winchester Conservation Museum for building expansion.

The bill must now go to conference with the House of Representatives and be signed into law by President Bush. ####