Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on the recent statistics showing the South Carolina unemployment rate has dropped a full percentage point down to 6.2 percent.
“The dramatic drop in our unemployment rate is a sign of things to come as state government continues to provide incentives for businesses to locate and grow here.
“There’s no doubt Governor Sanford’s effort to bring about government reform and restructuring is beginning to pay dividends. With the prospects of further tax cuts and spending controls, the outlook for greater employment opportunities in South Carolina in the coming months is very bright.”
#####
Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today said the Senate Judiciary Committee’s ongoing work on comprehensive immigration reform will hopefully pay dividends in helping to eliminate illegal crossings on our nation’s southern border.
“The first issue to address in immigration reform is border security,” said Graham. “Without strong physical border security no immigration reform will be successful in stopping the flood of illegal crossings. The porous nature of our border doesn’t just pose immigration problems, but national security ones as well.”
The Judiciary Committee has discussed whether to create a real or virtual fence along the United States-Mexico border.
A virtual fence would rely on cameras, motion detectors and other technological devices to monitor illegal crossings into the United States. A real fence would be similar to the San Diego Border Fence, a state-of-the-art nearly impenetrable barrier which made illegal entry into our nation much more difficult. The San Diego area was once a haven for illegal crossings but the Border Fence nearly stopped the flood of border crossings from Mexico into the area.
“The Border Fence has worked in California and I’m ready to expand it to protect additional miles of our border,” said Graham. “It would cost an estimated $5 billion to construct, but that is a small price to pay when it comes to protecting our national security and relieving the pressure we face from a tidal wave of illegal immigration. Unfortunately, I have serious doubts about whether there is enough support in the Senate today for construction of a Border Fence.
“The committee has already agreed to increase the use of technology and passed an amendment I authored that would that would allow more Border Patrol agents with military backgrounds to enforce our nation’s borders,” said Graham. “Due to modernization, in the coming years we’re expected to have a reduced number of people serving in some areas of the military. These veterans, with years of military experience and training, are excellent candidates to serve in an expanded Border Patrol.”
“While many issues surrounding immigration reform are contentious, there is broad agreement among many Republicans and Democrats that maintaining the status quo along the border is simply unacceptable,” concluded Graham.
Next week the committee will continue to work on the best way to increase security along our nation’s southern border.
#####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint, along with Congressman Henry Brown, today announced Myrtle Beach International Airport will receive two grants totaling $7.7 million.
The first $4 million grant is the first installment of a $43 million grant announced in January. The funds will be used for design and construction of approximately 172,000 square yards of terminal apron and taxiway. The apron is designed to accommodate 14 aircraft parking positions for all types of passenger aircraft expected at the airport through 2020.
The second grant of $3.703 million will continue the design and construction of the new terminal building and access road as well as the newly relocated terminal area development.
“I’m pleased we were able to help Myrtle Beach Airport receive these federal funds,” said Graham. “We must continue to build the necessary infrastructure to allow the airport to grow. Air travel is very important to Myrtle Beach and the tourism economy. People love visiting Myrtle Beach and the more convenient we can make it to get there the better.”
“These grants will help provide one of the vital pieces of the puzzle making Myrtle Beach international a world class airport,” said DeMint. “The economic growth that will result is well worth these investments.”
“This is great news for Myrtle Beach and the entire Grand Strand,” said Brown. “Expansion of the Myrtle Beach International Airport will offer greater opportunities for flight-related business ventures and improved avenues of access for air travelers.”
The grant will be administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
#####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced Greenville Technical College will receive two grants totaling $2 million for the construction of a new technology facility.
The funds will help construct a new facility that will house medical and computer labs, and a culinary arts training kitchen. The grants will be paired with more than $11 million in local funds. According to figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the project is expected to create 1,500 jobs and generate $242 million in private investment.
“South Carolina’s technical college system is a model for the nation,” said Graham. “Technical colleges play a vital role in developing our state’s economy by training the workforce of tomorrow. I appreciate what Greenville Tech is doing in the community and know the work they do today will help create a stronger, more diverse workforce for the future.”
“Technical colleges are important in training our workforce with the skills needed for 21st century jobs and Greenville Tech is leading the way,” said DeMint. “I applaud their efforts to build this new facility and look forward to it benefiting future students.”
Greenville Tech will receive a $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration and a $500,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the South Carolina Department of Transportation will receive more than $652,000 for five projects across the state.
Bohicket Scenic Highway- $34,760
Bohicket Scenic Highway (S-20) is located on Johns Island from S.C. 700 Southerly to the end of the road located near Kiawah Island. This project will provide funding to develop the Bohicket Road Corridor Management Plan. The plan will detail a number of ways to promote, develop, and protect the Bohicket Road Scenic Highway. The plan will inventory the historic, recreational, cultural, archeological and natural resources along the road in addition to addressing the ways in which nearby communities may wish to promote tourism and/or economic development.
Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway- $493,672
The Greenville County project (intersection of U.S. 25 and S.C. 11) will fund the restoration of the Blythe-Goodwin-Hagood House for use as a welcome center and museum. The 220-year old home was an important way station for travelers. An adjacent building was also used as a provisioning stop and among the earliest post offices in the region. This National Register property has been unoccupied since 1985 and is threatened by neglect and approaching commercial development.
The Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway Association, in partnership with Greenville County, has obtained a $200,000 grant from the state of South Carolina to acquire the property. Scenic Byway funds will be used to restore and adapt the property for the benefit of the traveling public.
Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway-$25,000
This Pickens County project is located between the intersections of S.C. 8 and S.C. 178. The project will establish a second scenic pullout or small parking area for visitors wishing to stop and admire Table Rock. The funds will be used obtain the necessary right-of-way encroachment permits, construction costs, and description signage.
Edisto Scenic Highway 174- $57,472
This project begins at the McKinley Washington Bridge in Charleston County, continues through Edisto Island into Colleton County, and ends at the Atlantic Ocean. This project will develop a Corridor Management Plan (CMP) for the State designated Edisto Scenic Highway 174. CMPs are the central tool used by byway leaders to organize activities, investments, and planning goals for the communities and partners supporting the byway. The roadway is within the ACE Basin USFWS Wildlife Refuge target area and adjacent to the ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve. It is the major road access to the ACE Basin Interpretive Center and to Edisto Beach. The Edisto Island Open Land Trust (project manager) will partner with nearby Clemson University in the development of the CMP and will organize and work with all stakeholders in the community to achieve the goal of maintaining the intrinsic qualities of Edisto Scenic Highway 174.
Beaufort County Scenic Highways Project- $41,200
This project is located in Beaufort County along S.C. 170 south of Edward Burton Rodgers to U.S. 278. The project will develop a CMP to unite 8 separate scenic highway segments into one system, to be conserved, enhanced and marketed to benefit both residents and visitors. They are located almost contiguously near environmental and historic resources in areas that have experienced major growth and change during the past decade.
####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today praised Senate passage of the PATRIOT Act reauthorization. The vote in the Senate was 89-10.
“The PATRIOT Act helps our intelligence and law enforcement agencies protect us from a vicious enemy. The tools it provides are necessary to help fight and win the War on Terror.
“The legislation also strikes a good balance protecting the rights of individuals while protecting the security of our nation. I’m pleased the Senate passed the extension and look forward to President Bush signing it into law.”
#####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced more than $13.9 million for seventeen airports throughout South Carolina. These funds were awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration to both major and general aviation airports following application submissions by the individual airports.
“South Carolina’s airports are a vital part of our state’s transportation infrastructure and play an integral role in our economy,” said Graham. “These improvements will help recruit future investment and economic development.”
"This funding is a clear indication that the FAA sees the worthiness of these important projects throughout South Carolina in the midst of a very competitive environment nationally for funds," said Senator DeMint.
Aiken
The City of Aiken will receive $403,750 for rehabilitation of the apron at Aiken Municipal Airport.
Allendale
Allendale County will receive $150,000 to install taxiway lighting at Allendale County Airport.
Charleston
Charleston County Aviation Authority will receive $3.8 million for apron expansion at Charleston Executive Airport, $2 million for improvements to the access road at Charleston AFB/International, and $1,391,750 replace runway and taxiway lighting, and expand the aircraft parking apron at East Cooper Airport.
Columbia
The Richland/Lexington Airport Commission will receive $3,045,424 for apron rehabilitation at Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
Richland County will receive $150,000 to help pay for the construction of a new terminal at Columbia Owens Downtown Airport.
Darlington
Darlington County will receive $92,245 to rehabilitate a runway and design an expansion to the existing apron at the Darlington County Jetport.
Greenville
The City of Greenville will receive $775,000 for apron rehabilitation at Greenville Downtown Airport.
Greenwood
Greenwood County will receive $150,000 for hangar construction at Greenwood County Airport.
Hartsville
Hartsville will receive $110,675 to install perimeter fencing at Hartsville Regional Airport.
Horry
Horry County will receive $384,500 to acquire land within and adjacent to the runway protection zone and to remove obstructions from the approach path at Twin City Airport.
Kershaw
Kershaw County will receive $811,300 for taxiway construction at Woodward Field.
Lee
Lee County will receive $184,557 for runway extension at Lee County Airport.
Marlboro
Marlboro County will receive $213,750 to install taxiway lighting and design a taxiway rehabilitation plan at Marlboro County Jetport.
Saluda
Saluda County will receive $150,000 to install new runway lighting and remove obstructions from the approach path at Saluda County Airport.
Walterboro
Walterboro will receive $142,073 to design a new taxiway at Lowcountry Regional Airport.
####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON -- Minutes before noon today, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Reginald “Reggie” Lloyd to serve as U.S. Attorney for South Carolina. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement following the confirmation vote.
“With the Senate’s approval of Reggie Lloyd’s nomination, South Carolina will now have a permanent U.S. Attorney. The role of the U.S. Attorney is to vigorously enforce the laws of the land and protect our nation from foreign and domestic threats.
“Reggie possesses both the character and legal experience necessary for this most important job. His experience as a judge and private attorney make him uniquely qualified. All South Carolinians should take pride in the fact we have someone of tremendous integrity, character, and experience serving in this position. I look forward to Reggie being sworn in and appreciate him for agreeing to serve our nation at this important time.
“I also appreciate Majority Leader Bill Frist’s effort today to have Reggie confirmed on the last day before the President’s Day recess. Senator Frist went the extra mile to ensure his nomination would be approved.”
#####
Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the Senate Judiciary Committee approving the nomination of Reggie Lloyd to serve as U.S. Attorney for South Carolina.
“I’m very pleased the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously supported Reggie for this important position. I expect him to be confirmed by the full Senate very soon.
“Reggie has impeccable legal credentials and is respected by Democrats and Republicans in Washington and at home. He brings a wealth of experience in private practice and government to the position.
“Reggie is an aggressive protector of public safety and I have a great deal of confidence in his talents and abilities. He’s fair -minded and will serve our state and nation with distinction.
“Our U.S. Attorney will face unique challenges as we fight the War on Terror and I know he is the right man for the job.”
#####
Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement in response to a question about Vice President Cheney’s recent hunting trip.
“I have been hunting with Vice President Cheney on several occasions over the past few years and know him to be a skilled and safety-conscious hunter.
“Unfortunately, hunting accidents occur, even among the most skilled hunters. The Vice President has accepted personal responsibility for this accident and I know this is something he deeply regrets.
“Mr. Whittington and the Vice President have been friends for many years and I know Mr. Whittington’s personal privacy is a great concern to the Vice President. The Vice President knows the more he talks, the less privacy Mr. Whittington and his family will enjoy.
“The constant second-guessing of what the Vice President should have said and when he should have said it is an unnecessary diversion from the many issues facing our nation.”
#####
