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

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced $1,086,650 in federal funds has been released to aid the City of Greenville in developing an Emergency Operations Center at the Palmetto Expo Center. Graham secured the funds in the Fiscal Year 2004 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The funds will be used to purchase security cameras and install exterior fencing to help secure emergency vehicles. In addition, this request will support conceptual planning for long-term building renovations and near-term contingency planning for building security improvements. “The Expo Center serves as the primary emergency evacuation center for many emergency situations throughout the Upstate and the surrounding region,” said Graham. “The importance of providing a secure facility for homeland security purposes has increased since 9-11, and this project is an essential first step toward increasing the security of the Expo Center.” Although funds have been released, city officials must submit a revised project narrative and budget before they may be utilized. The money was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice. ####