Wes Hickman (202 224-5972) and Kevin Bishop (864 250-1417)

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Charleston will receive a $1 million grant and Savannah/Hilton Head will receive a $523,495 grant to improve air service to the respective regions. The funds for Charleston will be used to secure low-fare air services from Air Tran, and the Savannah/Hilton Head funds will be used to expand services to new routes. “Improving the air service in South Carolina is a great benefit to the state’s economy,” said Graham. “These awards will help bolster tourism and bring future business investment to the state.” The Small Community Air Service Development Pilot Program was established to provide small communities with financial and other assistance to address air service issues, particularly those relating to insufficient air service or high fares. The Program affords communities the opportunity to develop their own solutions to their air service problems based on the community’s particular needs and circumstances. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. ####