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

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint announced the Senate approved $131 million in South Carolina related defense projects. The funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2006 Defense Appropriations Bill. “South Carolina is one of the most patriotic states in the nation,” said Graham. “The men and women of this state give their time and talent to defend our nation and help ensure the armed forces have the most state-of-the-art equipment. I am pleased so many South Carolina related projects have been recognized for the contributions they make to our war-fighting capability. South Carolina is truly a leader in helping win the War on Terror.” “South Carolina has always played a vital role in keeping our nation free,” said DeMint. “I'm proud that our courageous men and women in uniform will be properly equipped to fight the War on Terror and to protect the homeland.” Projects funded in the bill include: Lowcountry

• $28 million for the purchase of two C-17 Maintenance Training Systems produced in Summerville.
• $6 million for the purchase of Quadruple Specialty Containers produced in Charleston.
• $6 million for the development of the Joint Threat Warning System, an air communication surveillance system that provides direct warning to aircrafts operating over hostile territory, enhancing situational awareness and increasing aircrew survivability and the probability of mission success. Development is based in Charleston.
• $4.5 million for the South Carolina Research Authority to support the Lean Munitions program in Charleston. Lean Munitions will result in ammunition being produced in a timelier and cost efficient manner.
• $4 million for the development of an automated container and cargo handling system. The Autolog System will be able to transfer containers from ship-to-ship or ship-to-lighter/dock. Development is based in Charleston.
• $3.5 million for the Critical Infrastructure Protection Center in Charleston.
• $3 million for the development of vaccines for multivalent dengue viruses in Charleston.

Upstate

• $4 million to upgrade Combat Casualty Care Equipment, including personnel kits and on-board kits for tactical vehicles. The main production facility is located in Greenville.
• $3.5 million for the South Carolina Research Authority to research and develop an active coating technology that adapts in real time to the surrounding situation and environment. The program will be based at Clemson University.
• $3.5 million for development of the Advanced Warfighter Sustainment Systems for the 21st Century (AWSS-21). AWSS-21 will provide better packaged and more nutritious food to our soldiers in the field. Research is conducted at Clemson University and in Gray Court.

Midlands

• $9 million for the purchase of M249 SAW machine guns for the (Army or Marines) and $5 million for the (Army or Marines). The M249 is produced in Columbia.
• $2.5 million for the University of South Carolina to conduct brain imaging and deception detection research.

Piedmont

• $2.5 million for the development of high modulus carbon fibers in Rock Hill.
• $2 million to purchase portable tent lighting produced in Clover.

Statewide

• $20 million to support the Up-Armored HMMWV and Tactical Truck Crew Trainer Program in the Army National Guard.
• $7 million for the purchase of All Terrain Military Utility Vehicles (M-Gator) for the Army National Guard.
• $5 million for the purchase of All Terrain Military Utility Vehicles (M-Gator) for the Army.
• $5 million for research and development of high temperature superconducting generators. Research is being conducted at the University of South Carolina and in Greenville.
• $4.5 million for further deployment of the South Carolina Army National Guard’s Vibration Management Enhancement Program, a maintenance diagnostic system, on Guard helicopters.
• $4 million for research and development of a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier for out-of-hospital resuscitation of patients with severe hemorrhagic shock.
• $3.5 million for the development of an advanced electric drive system for military vehicles. Development is done at facilities throughout South Carolina.

The bill must now be approved by a joint House/Senate conference committee. ####