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

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Rock Hill will receive a $175,000 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 first award for the Rock Hill program. During this project period program goals include: sanctioning individuals involved in violent crime; restoring a sense of safety to the community; establishing multi-jurisdictional teams to identify youth gang activity; providing opportunities for offenders to participate in community programs; offering youth alternatives to gang life and criminal activity by engaging them in educational and job training programs; and, revitalize areas of Rock Hill by restoring existing housing stock, encouraging the expansion of home ownership programs, and promoting diverse neighborhoods that are well maintained. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice. ####