Sep 03 2003

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced South Carolina will receive $496,750 to enhance the safety of public and private highway-grade crossings along federally designated high-speed rail corridors. The funds can be used for a number of hazard elimination activities including: crossing closure; crossing consolidation or grade separation; installation or upgrade of automated warning devices to include bells, flashing lights and/or gates; improvements to track circuitry, crossing surface upgrades, crossing sight distances or illumination; installation of advanced train control or traffic control systems; and other related project development and engineering activities. “This money will improve the safety of South Carolina’s railroad crossings and help save lives,” said Graham. “In addition, the upgrades provided by this grant will act as a stimulus for bringing high-speed rail to South Carolina. This is a great investment toward future economic development.” The grant has been awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. ####

Sep 02 2003

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded the state $20.3 million to enhance preparations for a bio-terror attack. The funds come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and from HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). CDC will provide the state $13.2 million to strengthen public health preparedness for bioterrorism, outbreaks of infectious disease, and public health emergencies. The remaining $7.1 million from HRSA is to be used for hospital preparedness and to develop surge capacity to deal with mass casualty events. The funds are part of a $1.4 billion package to states. “During these difficult times, it’s critical our state be prepared to deal with a bio-terror attack,” said Graham. “Terrorists groups have shown an interest in obtaining biological weapons and no one doubts their willingness to use them. It’s important our medical personnel have the proper response plan and training to deal with this real threat.” In March of this year, Graham announced $20 million dollars from HHS for South Carolina during an earlier round of bio-terror preparedness funding. ####

Aug 27 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the South Carolina Department of Education will receive a $1.265 million grant to support the South Carolina Public Charter Schools (PCSP) Grant Program. The PCSP Grant Program will support the five charter schools that were established in 2002-03, eight charter schools approved to open in 2003-04, and 20 additional schools that will open in 2004 and 2005. The money will enable the South Carolina Department of Education to provide implementation funds to support the schools. Twenty planning groups will also initiate the process to establish new charter schools. “Charter schools are an innovative way to improve education,” said Graham, a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in the U.S. Senate. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Education. ####

Aug 26 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault will receive a $169,756 grant. The funds will be used to:
  • Increase coalition building among survivors, women of color, rural and child advocacy groups;
  • Finalize the development of a statewide domestic violence needs assessment tool;
  • Develop standards for domestic violence member groups;
  • Provide training for new and current domestic violence and sexual assault program staff; and
  • Develop and conduct a conference for law enforcement professionals on domestic violence and sexual assault.
“Domestic violence and sexual assault are devastating crimes,” said Graham. “We must punish the offenders and offer support to victims.” The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice. ####

Aug 26 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Medical University of South Carolina will receive a $2,854,000 grant to help complete construction on a children’s research center. The center is a multi-disciplinary research facility focusing on childhood diseases. “The medical research done in South Carolina is on the cutting edge and helps improve lives throughout the country,” said Graham, a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in the U.S. Senate. “I am proud of MUSC for the work they do to aid children’s health.” The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ####

Aug 26 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault will receive a $169,756 grant. The funds will be used to:
  • Increase coalition building among survivors, women of color, rural and child advocacy groups;
  • Finalize the development of a statewide domestic violence needs assessment tool;
  • Develop standards for domestic violence member groups;
  • Provide training for new and current domestic violence and sexual assault program staff; and
  • Develop and conduct a conference for law enforcement professionals on domestic violence and sexual assault.
“Domestic violence and sexual assault are devastating crimes,” said Graham. “We must punish the offenders and offer support to victims.” The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice. ####

Aug 22 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Donaldson Center in Greenville will receive a $306,000 grant to acquire equipment for a new air traffic control tower. “Airport infrastructure improvements directly benefit South Carolina’s economy,” said Graham. “State of the art facilities at our airports encourage business investment and promote economic growth.” The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. ####

Aug 20 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Lancaster County-McWhirter Field has been awarded a $270,000 grant for airport improvements. The funds will allow the airport to acquire land for the protection of the Runway 6 approach surface. “Airport improvements help improve passenger safety and make Lancaster County more attractive for business investment and economic development,” said Graham. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Aug 19 2003

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement from Kuwait City, Kuwait. Graham was meeting with U.S. Ambassador Paul Bremmer of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Baghdad when a truck bomb exploded at the United Nations Headquarters. “The people who were murdered today lost their lives trying to make the world a better place. The best way to honor their memory is to press on and complete their work. The greatest danger is to allow terrorist organizations to stop efforts to bring freedom and democracy to this troubled land. “We are being measured by the forces of evil and they are asking, ‘Will America keep spending money and are they willing to risk lives?’ The answer, in my opinion, has to be yes. “The young men and women serving throughout this region make me proud to be an American and I have great confidence in their abilities. We should all keep them in our prayers. We must also continue to press on to see the job through.” #####