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

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the City of Spartanburg will receive a $225,000 grant to support the Weed and Seed program. Weed and Seed aims to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in targeted high-crime neighborhoods. The strategy involves a two-pronged approach: law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in ‘weeding out’ criminals who participate in violent crime and drug abuse, attempting to prevent their return to the targeted area; and ‘seeding’ brings human services to the area, encompassing prevention, intervention, treatment, and neighborhood revitalization. This is the fourth award for the Spartanburg program. During this project period, program goals include identification and apprehension of persons involved in violent crime and drugs, encouraging and expanding community involvement in problem solving efforts, providing education and prevention programs for area youth, and improving neighborhood planning and housing. Graham noted that Spartanburg has also been awarded a $21,250 grant to implement a Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program. G.R.E.A.T.’s violence prevention curriculum helps students develop values and practice behaviors that will assist them in avoiding gang pressure and destructive activities. Both grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice. ####