Nov 03 2003

Senate Passes Interior Appropriations Bill Containing Over $14 Million for South Carolina Related Pr

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Senate passed the Interior Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2004. The bill contains over $14 million for South Carolina related projects. Graham voted in favor of the bill, which passed 87-2. The bill provides funding for the following projects in South Carolina: Upstate & Midlands
  • $1.3 million for land acquisition at the Sumter National Forest;
  • $300,000 for historic preservation of the Benjamin Mays Birthplace in Greenwood;
Pee Dee
  • $200,000 for historic preservation of the Old Marion High School in Marion;
  • $75,000 for historic preservation of the Cheraw & Darlington Railroad Depot in Society Hill;
Lowcountry
  • $7.7 million to support the Forest Legacy Program in the Cooper River Corridor;
  • $1.3 million for land acquisition at the Francis Marion National Forest;
  • $1.3 million for land acquisition at the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge;
  • $500,000 for construction of dike and water control structures at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge;
  • $100,000 for historic preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse in Charleston;
Statewide
  • $1 million for the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor;
  • $750,000 for land acquisition in the Chattooga River Corridor (SC, NC, and GA);
  • $50,000 for the study of mercury methylation in South Carolina’s rivers.
"South Carolina’s rivers and natural habitats are some of our state’s greatest natural resources," said Graham. "The projects funded in this bill will help ensure they are around for years to come for the enjoyment of future generations of South Carolinians. This money also helps to preserve some of our state’s finest historical sites." Graham noted the bill wasn't without controversy and included a provision he did not support which expands the size of the Congaree Swamp and designates it as a national park. "I have serious concerns about expanding the Congaree Swamp and the impact it will have on the rights of private property owners," said Graham. "I will be working with my colleagues in the House and Senate over the next several months to ensure that the rights of property owners around the Congaree Swamp are protected." ####