Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the 2004 Energy and Water Appropriations legislation which contained millions of dollars in projects for South Carolina and the Savannah River Site (SRS). “These projects funded in this bill will make the state more attractive for future economic development, business investment, and tourism,” said Graham. “The bill does a lot to help ensure our state’s waterways are navigable and safe for recreational boaters and business. In South Carolina, we are fortunate to have such a wonderful natural environment and this bill takes great steps toward protecting our state’s legacy for today and future generations. “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. “At Savannah River Site we’re working to keep the peace,” said Graham. “SRS is playing a leading role in the effort to turn surplus weapons grade plutonium into fuel. They’re also accelerating cleanup of the Site’s Cold War legacy.” Graham noted the bill also amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 by adding an additional $20 million for wastewater treatment and water supply projects associated with Lakes Marion and Moultrie and adding $5 million dollars for wastewater infrastructure in Charleston. The bill will now go to President Bush for his signature. South Carolina Related Projects

• $23.5 million for a nationwide university reactor fuel program. The bill encourages the U.S. Department of Energy to support the new program at the University of South Carolina, and congratulates the state for creating one of the first new graduate programs in nuclear engineering in the last 20 years.
• $16.42 million for the Russell Dam and Lake for construction, operations and maintenance (SC & GA);
• $13.96 million for Lake Hartwell operations and maintenance (SC & GA);
• $11.747 million for J. Strom Thurmond Lake for operation and maintenance (SC & GA);
• $10 million for Charleston Harbor operations and maintenance;
• $5.5 million for the Thurmond Lake Powerhouse for major rehabilitation (SC & GA);
• $5 million for the deepening and widening of Charleston Harbor;
• $4.35 million for Lake Russell wildlife mitigation payments to South Carolina and Georgia;
• $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;
• $2.2 million to the University of South Carolina for expanding clean energy research and education programs;
• $1.432 million to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway for operations and maintenance;
• $1 million for the Coastal Research Center at MUSC;
• $500,000 for the Claflin University Science Center;
• $500,000 for planning the expansion of Savannah Harbor (SC & GA);
• $400,000 to Folly River for operations and maintenance in 7 miles of channel;
• $430,000 to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway for general investigations of river dredging;
• $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;
• $250,000 for the University of South Carolina to study groundwater contamination;
• $229,000 for the Corps of Engineers to conduct project condition surveys throughout the state;
• $200,000 to the Savannah River Basin for general investigation;
• $200,000 to Folly Beach for general construction;
• $200,000 for Corps of Engineer planning activities in Georgetown and Williamsburg counties;
• $170,000 to the Reedy River for general investigation;
• $100,000 to Pawleys Island for pre-construction engineering and design;
• $100,000 to the Broad River Basin for general investigation;
• $100,000 to Edisto Island for an erosion study;
• $100,000 for Savannah Harbor sediment control (SC & GA);
• $75,000 for the Santee Delta Environmental Restoration;
• $50,000 to the Waccamaw River for general investigation;
• $45,000 to Murrells Inlet for operations and maintenance;
• $26,000 for the Corp of Engineers to inspect completed projects.

Savannah River Site The bill fully funds the daily operation of SRS, including specific money for the following projects:

• $402 million for the MOX fuel fabrication facility;
• $75 million for the construction of the tritium extraction facility;
• $20.259 million for a second glass storage building;
• $13.6 million for the construction of the pit disassembly and conversion facility;
• $2.75 million for cleaning and loading modifications. This procurement is for long lead procurement of engineered equipment for the Tritium Facilities at SRS;
• $1.134 million for container surveillance.

In addition, the bill provides $10.81 million for the Modern Pit Facility (MPF). SRS is one of several potential sites for locating the MPF. Site selection is expected by early next year. #####