Jun 12 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has awarded the University of South Carolina Research Foundation a $555,000 grant to support the Coastal Zone Management Estuarine Research Reserves program. The money will be used to support the National Estuarine Research Reserves System (NERRS). The NERRS program helps to sustain healthy coasts by improving the nation's understanding and stewardship of estuaries. Nationally, there are 25 protected areas, two of which are located in South Carolina: the Ace Basin Reserve and the North Inlet/Winyah Bay Reserve. Each reserve is a ‘living laboratory’ in which scientists conduct research and educators communicate research results. Reserve staff members work with local communities and regional groups to address natural resource management issues, such as non-point source pollution, habitat restoration and invasive species. Through integrated research and education, the reserves help communities develop strategies to deal successfully with coastal resource issues. “South Carolina’s coast is one of our most valuable resources,” said Graham. “It is important that we protect its natural beauty, and support programs that conduct scientific research and increase public awareness.” ####

Jun 12 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the Medical University of South Carolina another $1.3 million for continued research by the Environmental Biosciences program. The total money to date from the federal government is $2.55 million. The program, with scientists, research physicians, and environmental professionals from 10 different academic disciplines, focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms of environmentally-induced diseases. The program also seeks to lessen risks to humans from potentially toxic environmental exposures. “We’re fortunate to have great research institutions such as MUSC in the state,” said Graham. “They make an important contribution to protecting public health.” #####

Jun 12 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced one grant and one contract for Aiken County.
  • Montmorenci-Couchton Water and Sewer District has been awarded a $196,800 loan by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Office. The funds will be used to install approximately 8,300 feet of waterline and 2 fire hydrants. The new waterline will reinforce the existing system and boost pressure in areas where water flow is currently marginal. It will also provide potable water to residential customers.
  • United Defense of York, Pennsylvania has been awarded a $3.93 million increment of a $770 million contract for 35 M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles and 103 M3A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Five percent of the work, approximately $196,500, will be performed at United Defense in Aiken.
“The Montmorenci-Couchton loan will help provide clean water to many homes and businesses in Aiken County,” said Graham. “Infrastructure improvements such as this also help the country attract future economic development.” “The employees of United Defense are helping to win the war against terrorism,” said Graham. “It’s great to see Aiken County and South Carolina playing a vital role in supporting our armed services and men and women in uniform.”

Jun 12 2003

WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded South Carolina State University (SCSU) the first installment of a five-year, $225,000 grant to support nuclear engineering. The first installment of $45,000, and all future installments expected to be of a similar amount, will have to be matched with private funds. “South Carolina is a leader in nuclear technology and nuclear power,” said Graham. “We’re fortunate to have the crown jewel of the Department of Energy located in our state, the Savannah River Site. We’re also one of the most pro-nuclear states in the union with seven nuclear reactors producing electricity.” The funds will be used to assist both graduate and undergraduate students in the nuclear engineering field by purchasing personal computers and nuclear engineering software. Funds can also be used for tests and experiments in the nuclear engineering field. “If we’re serious about reducing our dependence on foreign oil, nuclear energy is the best alternative,” said Graham. “It’s one of the most cost-effective, environmentally friendly energy producing options available.”

Jun 11 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) announced today the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded the city of Cordova $148,401 for a new fire tanker. The tanker will hold up to 1,800 gallons of water. “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 their communities. 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.

Jun 11 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded seven new grants totaling $5.123 million to bolster port security in Charleston and Georgetown. The Office of Domestic Preparedness awarded six of the grants:
  • $3.79 million for Charleston County to support port security;
  • $590,500 to the South Carolina State Ports Authority for Georgetown;
  • $274,000 to the South Carolina State Ports Authority for Charleston;
  • $250,000 to the Maritime Association of the Port of Charleston;
  • $219,000 for APN Terminals.
“Protecting South Carolina’s ports from potential security threats is one of the most important issues our state faces in a post September 11th world,” said Graham. “Thousands of people live and work around our ports. The safety of South Carolinians is priority number one and these funds will help ensure our ports remain safe, and open for business.” Graham noted that this is the second round of grant announcements this week for port security. Earlier in the week, DHS awarded a $1.7 million grant to the South Carolina State Ports Authority for security enhancements at the Port of Charleston.

Jun 11 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) announced today the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded the city of Summerville a $34,344 grant for fire prevention programs. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant will help the fire department with their public education and awareness activities, fire code enforcement activities, fire inspection certificates, 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.

Jun 10 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Justice has released $2.2 million to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety to improve juvenile justice programs. The funds can be used to develop programs to promote greater accountability in the states juvenile justice system by improving infrastructure and operations. “Accountability in government is a vital part of maintaining efficiency, effectiveness, and public oversight,” said Graham. “This grant will help ensure the juvenile justice programs in South Carolina are serving the needs of the state.” The funds were authorized by Congress and signed into law in November 2002. The money is allocated based on each state’s population of youth under age 18.

Jun 10 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) announced the U.S. Senate passed the 2004 Energy and Water Appropriations legislation which contains over $79 million dollars in projects for South Carolina. Graham voted for the bill which passed the Senate 92-0. “The projects funded in this bill improve the infrastructure of the state, maintain trade routes, and will help preserve the pristine recreational areas we all enjoy,” said Graham. “These projects will make the state more attractive for future economic development, business investment, and tourism.” “I am proud of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for passing this bill in a bipartisan manner,” said Graham. “This demonstrates the ability of the Republican leadership to reach out to our Democratic friends and accomplish business that is good for the American people.” Graham noted that in addition to the South Carolina specific projects, the bill provides $71.1 million dollars for the Appalachian Regional Commission, a federal-state partnership that works with the people of Appalachia to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life. The bill also congratulates the state for creating one of the first new graduate programs in nuclear engineering in the last 20 years and strongly encourages the U.S. Department of Energy to support the new program at the University of South Carolina. The bill must now pass a conference meeting of both the House of Representatives and the Senate before it can be finalized and signed into law by President Bush. South Carolina Projects Contained in the Senate Energy and Water Appropriation Bill
  • $16.924 million for the Russell Dam and Lake for construction, operations and maintenance;
  • $13.96 million for Lake Hartwell operations and maintenance;
  • $11.747 million for J. Strom Thurmond Lake for operation and maintenance;
  • $10.5 million for Charleston Harbor operations and maintenance;
  • $5.5 million for the Thurmond Lake Powerhouse for construction and major rehabilitation;
  • $5 million for the deepening and widening of Charleston Harbor;
  • $3.85 million to Lake Russell for land mitigation payments to South Carolina;
  • $3.38 million to the Cooper River for operations and maintenance;
  • $2.719 million to Georgetown Harbor for the dredging of Sampit River and Upper Winyah Bay, and for operations and maintenance;
  • $1.432 million to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway for operations and maintenance;
  • $1 million to Lake Russell for mitigation payment related to turbine operations at the dam;
  • $760,000 in additional money for the dredging of Charleston Harbor;
  • $452,000 to Folly River for operations and maintenance;
  • $430,000 to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway for general investigations;
  • $419,000 to Town Creek for operations and maintenance;
  • $350,000 to Lakes Marion and Moultrie for general stewardship;
  • $300,000 for the Aquatic Plant Control Program, a statewide management of nuisance aquatic plant problems in public waters;
  • $200,000 to the Savannah River Basin for general stewardship;
  • $200,000 to Folly Beach for general construction;
  • $170,000 to the Reedy River for general stewardship;
  • $125,000 to Pawleys Island for pre-construction engineering and design;
  • $100,000 to the Broad River Basin for general stewardship;
  • $100,000 to Edisto Island for an erosion study;
  • $75,000 for the Santee Delta Environmental Restoration;
  • $50,000 to the Waccamaw River for general stewardship;
  • $45,000 to Murrells Inlet for operations and maintenance.
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Jun 10 2003

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Sandhill Medical Foundation in Jefferson will receive a $1.52 million loan and a $50,000 grant for the construction of a new medical clinic. The funds will be used to construct the new 10,000 square foot facility and purchase related furnishings and equipment. The new facility will include eight exam rooms, private office space and a pharmacy. The clinic will serve approximately 9,000 patients, many of whom lack the transportation necessary to travel to other parts of the county. “Rural and community medical clinics serve a vital need for the people of South Carolina,” said Graham, a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. “This grant will help enable thousands of people in Chesterfield County to receive quality medical care.” The loan and grant were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ####