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

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Charleston will receive a $225,000 grant to support the Weed and Seed program. Weed and Seed aims to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in targeted high-crime neighborhoods. The strategy involves a two-pronged approach: law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in ‘weeding out’ criminals who participate in violent crime and drug abuse, attempting to prevent their return to the targeted area; and ‘seeding’ brings human services to the area, encompassing prevention, intervention, treatment, and neighborhood revitalization. This is the fourth award for the Charleston program which serves four neighborhoods in the community. During this project period, program goals include reducing drug trafficking and illegal drug use, improving police relations and cooperation with residents, focusing on faith-based/community-based programs that target youth and provide positive alternatives to crime, and removing blight and deterioration in the area. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice. ####