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

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Western Carolina Higher Education Commission-Salkehatchie Leadership Institute in Allendale will receive a $327,460 grant. The grant will be used to continue a previous grant project, now known as the Salkehatchie Arts Partnership, developing an inventory of artisans and craftspeople in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, and Hampton counties. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the project is expected to assist 15 small, rural businesses and potentially create 20 new jobs. The grant was awarded by the USDA. ####