Jul 11 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded $225,000 grants to North Charleston and Spartanburg to support the Weed and Seed programs in each city. Weed and Seed is a strategy which 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. North Charleston: This is the third award for North Charleston program which serves four neighborhoods in the city. During this project period, program goals include participating in Operation Cease Fire with the U.S. Attorney’s Office; facilitating interaction and cooperation between the police and residents; focusing on youth education and family development efforts to assist children at a high risk for neglect, focusing on beautification efforts and the removal of blight from the area. Spartanburg: This is the second award for the Spartanburg program which serves the Arkwright and Forest Park areas of the city. During this project period, program goals include addressing youth gang activities and eliminating crime associated with gang organizations; coordinating neighborhood watch meetings; increasing parental involvement, improving educational performance, and bringing affordable health and human services to the area; and encouraging resident involvement in improving economic viability and preserving the residential housing stock of the neighborhood. “We need to ensure all our neighborhoods are safe from crime and drug abuse,” said Graham. “The programs funded through these grants take a unique approach to achieving that goal.” ####

Jul 10 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a $560,000 Ryan White Title IV Program grant to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for AIDS treatment programs. The grant is authorized by the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, first authorized in 1990. The programs funded under this legislation work with cities, states and local community-based organizations to provide services to approximately 533,000 individuals each year who do not have sufficient health care coverage or financial resources for coping with HIV disease. CARE Act programs are required to serve women, infants, children and youth living with HIV disease, but Title IV addresses the needs of these populations specifically. Services include:
  • Primary and specialty medical care;
  • Psychosocial services;
  • Logistical support and coordination; and
  • Outreach and case management. “These grants are an important tool in the fight against this deadly disease,” said Graham. ####

Jul 10 2003

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a $25 million rural development loan for Edisto Electric Cooperative in Bamberg. The funds will be used to construct additions and modifications to the existing electric transmission system, build 299 miles of new distribution lines, and make other improvements to the system. The upgrades will serve over 3,200 new customers. Graham noted that according to USDA statistics, 23 jobs are created for every $1 million dollars of Federal investment in electric infrastructure. “This is great news for Bamberg and the surrounding area,” said Graham. “The money invested in this project will enable the Edisto Electric Co-op to better serve its customers, and make the area more attractive for future economic development.” ####

Jul 09 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) announced today the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded the Lee County Fire Department in Bishopville a $34,938 grant for fire prevention programs. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant can be used for public education and awareness activities, fire codes enforcement activities, fire inspector certifications, the purchase and installation of smoke alarms and fire suppression systems, wildland fire mitigation, and arson prevention and detection activities. “Firefighters risk their lives to protect others, and they deserve the best equipment and training available,” said Graham. “Firefighters are some of the heroes in our midst.” The Assistance program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in the community. The program supports departments by providing them the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel. Grantees share in the cost of the funded project at a percentage based on the population of their respective jurisdiction. Grantees that serve jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a non-Federal cost-share of 10 percent while grantees that serve jurisdictions of over 50,000 provide a 30 percent cost-share. The match must be in cash without the use of in-kind contributions. In addition, the maximum amount of federal funds that an applicant can be awarded is $750,000 during any fiscal year. ####

Jul 09 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) announced today the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded the Antioch Volunteer Fire Department in Blacksburg a $45,383 grant for fire operations and firefighter safety programs. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant can be used to help the fire department improve training, wellness and fitness programs; purchase firefighting and personal protective equipment; and make modifications to fire stations and facilities. “Firefighters risk their lives to protect others, and they deserve the best equipment and training available,” said Graham. “Firefighters are some of the heroes in our midst.” The Assistance program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in the community. The program supports departments by providing them the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel. Grantees share in the cost of the funded project at a percentage based on the population of their respective jurisdiction. Grantees that serve jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a non-Federal cost-share of 10 percent while grantees that serve jurisdictions of over 50,000 provide a 30 percent cost-share. The match must be in cash without the use of in-kind contributions. In addition, the maximum amount of federal funds that an applicant can be awarded is $750,000 during any fiscal year. ####

Jul 09 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a $2 million grant to the Medical University of South Carolina. The money will be used for heart and vascular disease research. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S.,” said Graham. “This research will help save lives. I am proud that South Carolina’s colleges and universities are on the cutting edge of medical research.” ####

Jul 09 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a $2 million grant to the Medical University of South Carolina. The money will be used for heart and vascular disease research.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S.,” said Graham. “This research will help save lives. I am proud that South Carolina’s colleges and universities are on the cutting edge of medical research.”

Jul 09 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) announced today the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded the Antioch Volunteer Fire Department in Blacksburg a $45,383 grant for fire operations and firefighter safety programs. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant can be used to help the fire department improve training, wellness and fitness programs; purchase firefighting and personal protective equipment; and make modifications to fire stations and facilities. “Firefighters risk their lives to protect others, and they deserve the best equipment and training available,” said Graham. “Firefighters are some of the heroes in our midst.” The Assistance program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in the community. The program supports departments by providing them the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel. Grantees share in the cost of the funded project at a percentage based on the population of their respective jurisdiction. Grantees that serve jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a non-Federal cost-share of 10 percent while grantees that serve jurisdictions of over 50,000 provide a 30 percent cost-share. The match must be in cash without the use of in-kind contributions. In addition, the maximum amount of federal funds that an applicant can be awarded is $750,000 during any fiscal year. ####

Jul 08 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense has approved several hundred million dollars for projects directly affecting South Carolina. Highlights of South Carolina projects in the bill include: South Carolina Upstate
  • The bill appropriates a total of $126.9 million for the P-3 aircraft Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Program (AIP). The Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Program greatly expands the P-3C’s capabilities and includes additional advanced technology sensors, expanded communication systems, upgraded weapon delivery capabilities, and survivability upgrades. The plus up includes $26 million for additional AIP kits and $6 million for Tactical Common Data Link. A portion of this work will be done in Greenville.
  • $19.6 million dollars is included for a P-3 modernization program of which $12.6 million was added for the AIP phase capability upgrade.
  • $15 million for Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) to support prototype development. A portion of this work will be done in Greenville. $1 million for Formidable Aligned Carbon ThermoSets (FACTS), a new composite product for naval aircraft construction. FACTS will allow the design and fabrication of much more efficient designs significantly lowering airframe weight. A significant amount of the development will be conducted in Anderson. South Carolina Midlands
  • The bill appropriates a total of $175.2 million for upgrades to the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The Bradley is a transport and scout vehicle used by infantry and cavalry units. A significant number of components for the Bradley are built in Aiken. $6.9 million for M-249 Squad Automatic Weapons (Army) and $5 million for M-249 Squad Automatic Weapons (Marine Corp) produced in Columbia. The M-249 is a portable, high-fire volume, highly reliable light machine gun which serves as one of the Army and Marine Corps most valuable infantry weapon systems. The bill appropriates a total of $64 million for the AH-64 Vibration Management Enhancement Program (VMEP). The Army has selected the South Carolina National Guard’s VMEP, in conjunction with the University of South Carolina, as the aircraft maintenance diagnostic system for all Army AH-64 Apache and Apache Longbow helicopters.
  • $34.6 million for the purchase of thirty-six M109A6 Paladin Howitzers. The Paladin is the most advanced self-propelled howitzer cannon system fielded in the world. The additional 36 Paladins authorized and appropriated are solely for the Army National Guard. A significant number of components for the Paladin are built in Aiken. South Carolina Lowcountry
    • $12 million for continued research and development to create vaccines for the Ebola and Marburg viruses. The research will be conducted in Mt. Pleasant.
    • $4.5 million for continued development of multi-spectral Barium GaloGermanite (BGG) glass window technology, an essential component for airborne reconnaissance systems. Research and development of BGG glass is conducted in Hilton Head.
    • $4 million for the procurement of Quadrangle Containers, produced in Charleston. These shipping containers divide into four separate sections to aid in transport by facilitating the loading and unloading process. Misc.
      • $2 million for the development of an Advanced Electric Drive for military use.
      • $55 million for C-37 Procurement. The Navy has a validated requirement for 5 C-37 aircraft. These aircraft support combatant commanders of forward deployed Navy and Marine Corps forces. "Our state is the tip of the spear for our nation’s armed services," said Graham. "South Carolina is also a leader in military technology and plays a vital role in the war on terrorism. The men and women stationed here, both active duty and reserve components, play a major role in defending American interests around the world and providing freedom.” "I am proud to be from a state that is invaluable to America’s fighting force," said Graham. "We provide the human assets and support systems that make the U.S. military the world’s premier fighting force.” “This bill is important to our men and women in uniform. It provides the crucial technology and equipment on which they depend. South Carolina plays an important role in the defense of our country and our way of life.” The Defense Appropriations Act will be considered by the full Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday. ####

Jul 08 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Clemson University a $326,250 grant for heart and vascular disease research. “South Carolina’s colleges and universities are on the cutting edge of medical research,” said Graham. “The works they do help improve and save lives.” #####