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

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the University of South Carolina will receive $4,970,500 in federal funds for the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center. The funds will provide operational support, equipment, and help fund staff salaries at the Center. Graham secured the funds in the Fiscal Year 2004 Omnibus Appropriations Bill and was notified today the funds will be released in the coming days. Congress passed the bill January 22, 2004. The funds were awarded by the U.S. Department of Education. ####