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

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has been awarded two grants totaling $1.1 million. SCDNR will receive:

• A $670,173 grant to support restoration efforts of 10,500 acres of wetland habitats on Bear Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Donnelley WMA and the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge through the rehabilitation of dike systems and the replacement of water control structures.
• A $507,674 grant to utilize high-resolution, multi-spectral imagery to analyze the distribution and characteristics of South Carolina’s shellfish resources, and make maps that will be available to management agencies and other users.

“South Carolina’s natural resources are one of our most valuable assets,” said Graham. “These grants will help preserve our scenic and recreational habitats.” The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ####