May 04 2005

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced more than $175,000 in grants to fire departments in Cordova, Greenwood, Marietta, Mullins, and Walhalla. “Firefighters risk their lives to protect others,” said Graham. “They are truly some of the heroes in our midst. The programs funded by these grants will help enable firefighters to better educate and protect the public.” The funds may be used for public education and awareness activities, fire code enforcement, fire inspector certification, the purchase and installation of smoke alarms and fire suppression systems, wildland fire mitigation, and arson prevention and detection. The grants awarded include: Cordova Cordova Fire Department will receive a $30,378 grant. Greenwood Northwest Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department will receive a $12,267 grant. Marietta Slater-Marietta Fire Department will receive a $63,810 grant. Mullins Mullins Fire and Rescue will receive a $45,000 grant. Walhalla The Oconee County Fire Chiefs Association will receive a $25,900 grant. The Assistance to Firefighters grant program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in the community. The program supports departments by providing them the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel. Grantees share in the cost of the funded project at a percentage based on the population of their respective jurisdiction. Grantees that serve jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a non-Federal cost-share of 10 percent while grantees that serve jurisdictions of over 50,000 provide a 30 percent cost-share. The match must be in cash without the use of in-kind contributions. In addition, the maximum amount of federal funds that an applicant can be awarded is $750,000 during any fiscal year. The grants are made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ####

May 04 2005

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on the Healthy South Carolina Challenge. “It’s sad but true South Carolina ranks toward the top of the list when it comes to the number of individuals afflicted with chronic health problems like diabetes and strokes. For that reason, I think it’s important we all do our part in promoting healthier living in our state. I appreciate Jenny and Mark inviting me to join in this effort and look forward to working together to improve our health and well-being.” Additional information on the Challenge can be found at http://www.healthysc.gov #####

May 03 2005

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the City of Sumter will receive a $436,261 Community Development Block Grant. The Community Development Block Grant Program develops communities and provides housing by expanding economic opportunities for low and moderate income households. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ####

May 02 2005

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the City of Spartanburg will receive a $196,112 grant to aid in solving cold cases with DNA evidence. The Solving Cold Cases with DNA Program was established to search, evaluate, select, and conduct DNA analysis on violent crime cold cases that have the potential to be solved through DNA testing. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice. ####

May 02 2005

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Hemingway will receive an $863,300 grant and a $489,000 loan for water system infrastructure improvements. The funds will be used to extend approximately 15 miles of additional service lines to serve the Brunson Crossroads area just outside of the Town of Hemingway. The funds were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ####

Apr 29 2005

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today issued the following statement on President Bush’s call for progressive price indexing of future Social Security benefits. “The President took a bold step toward restoring solvency to Social Security by embracing benefit growth reduction for upper income workers. “The most significant aspect of the decision is the President has chosen to put future benefits, for those born after 1950, on the table for restructuring – an idea rejected by some Republican plans. “With progressive-price indexing changes as part of the President’s solution, the next step is to discuss how to set up a personal account. Setting up personal accounts should be done without changing the structure or purpose of Social Security and have a minimal effect on the deficit. “I applaud my Republican colleagues for being brave in offering solutions. Now it’s time for us to embrace the President’s proposal and understanding that future benefits need to be recalculated. I also urge them to keep an open mind about personal accounts that would be paid for and progressive.” #####

Apr 28 2005

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on David Wilkins, Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives, being named United States Ambassador to Canada. Graham said: “Canada’s gain is our state’s loss. David Wilkins will be remembered as one of the greatest Speakers of the House in South Carolina history. “President Bush could not have chosen a more effective and talented ambassador to represent the United State’s interests than David Wilkins. “His assignment to Canada, one of our most important diplomatic posts, demonstrates the faith President Bush has in his abilities. It also reflects well on our state that he was chosen for this tremendous opportunity.” #####

Apr 28 2005

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made the following statement on President Bush and Social Security. “We’re now transitioning from defining the problem to solving the problem. Hard choices await the country but working together in a bipartisan manner we can strengthen Social Security. “Strengthening Social Security is worth political sacrifice. I’m confident the American people will rise to the occasion and do their part to make sure the system is a safety net for future generations. “By embracing progressive price indexing the President has taken a major step forward in the solvency debate and provided leadership that will lead to a permanent solution for Social Security. The rescheduling of benefits through price indexing is an absolutely essential component in saving Social Security from bankruptcy. “The problems facing Social Security can and must be responsibly dealt with soon. The people who elected us to office deserve nothing less.” #####

Apr 27 2005

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Daniel Morgan Rural Community Water District in Gaffney will receive a $519,100 grant and $1,074,000 loan for water infrastructure improvements. "One of the problems our state has in attracting and retaining new business is we sometimes lack the necessary infrastructure," said Graham. "We need to continue working to do more to ensure we have the ability to economically grow and prosper in the coming years." The funds will be used to extend waterlines into unserved areas of the Water District, and replace and upgrade existing waterlines. The funds were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ####

Apr 27 2005

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Marco Rural Water Company in Marion will receive a $259,300 grant and $693,000 loan for water line relocation. The funds will be used to relocate 33,722 feet of existing water line along US Highway 501. The relocation is necessary due to South Carolina Department of Transportation construction. The funds were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ####