Aug 12 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Clemson University has been awarded a $61,950 grant to conduct agricultural research. The funds will support a project entitled, ‘Role of Light Quality and Soil Temperature in Regulating Weed Seed Dormancy and Germination Beneath a Crop Canopy.’ “The research conducted at Clemson directly benefits South Carolina’s farmers and helps boost our states economy,” said Graham. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ####

Aug 12 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced South Carolina State University has been awarded a $37,800 Extramural Associates (EA) Research grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The mission of the EA Program is to facilitate the entry and participation of faculty from underrepresented minority and women's institutions into biomedical and behavioral research and research training, through activities targeted to minority and women's institutions. The funds received by South Carolina State will be used to conduct population research. “The work done at South Carolina State helps us better understand the world in which we live and improves the future of our state and nation,” said Graham. ####

Aug 11 2003

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Brittons Neck Gresham Volunteer Fire Department will receive an $85,250 grant and $69,750 loan for the purchase of a new pumper fire truck. “Firefighters risk their lives to protect others, and they deserve the best equipment available,” said Graham. “Firefighters are some of the heroes in our midst.” The grant and loan have been awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ####

Aug 11 2003

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the University of South Carolina has been awarded a $619,955 grant to conduct heart and vascular disease research. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S.,” said Graham. “This research will help save lives. I am proud that South Carolina’s colleges and universities are on the cutting edge of medical research.” The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ####

Aug 11 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the City of Charleston has been awarded a $225,000 grant to support the Weed and Seed programs in the city. Weed and Seed is a strategy which 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 third award for the Charleston program which serves the city’s central business district, historic district, major educational and medical facilities, and four neighborhoods immediately adjacent to these areas. During this project period, program goals include reducing drug trafficking, illegal drug use and associated crime; increasing interaction between law enforcement agencies, residents, and business owners; focusing on faith-based/community based programs that target youth and provide positive alternatives to crime; and eliminating blight and deterioration in the target areas. “We need to ensure all our neighborhoods are safe from crime and drug abuse,” said Graham. “The programs funded through these grants take a unique approach to achieving that goal.” The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice. ####

Aug 06 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) announced today fire departments in Belton, Gaffney, Lyman, Marion and Wagner have received grants totaling more than $350,000 for fire operations and firefighter safety program. Belton Cheddar Fire Department will receive $64,046. Gaffney Gaffney Fire Department will receive $60,921. Lyman Holly Springs Fire Department will receive $20,763. Marion Temperance Hill Volunteer Fire Department will receive $56,763. Marion Rural Fire Department will receive $74,700. Wagener Wagener Fire Department will receive $76,605. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant can be used to help the fire department improve training, wellness and fitness programs; purchase firefighting and personal protective equipment; and make modifications to fire stations and facilities. “Firefighters risk their lives to protect others, and they deserve the best equipment and training available,” said Graham. “Firefighters are some of the heroes in our midst.” The Assistance 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 were awarded by the Department of Homeland Security. ####

Aug 04 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on news that U.S. Senator Fritz Hollings will retire from the Senate in 2004. “Senator Hollings has answered his state and nation’s call serving in World War II, as a member of the state legislature, Governor, and for more than thirty years as a U.S. Senator. “He tells you what he thinks, whether you agree with him or not. He’s one of the most direct and straightforward people I’ve met in political life. He’s also been incredibly kind to me as South Carolina’s first new Senator in thirty seven years. “Senator Hollings has a great ability to set aside philosophical differences and work with anyone for the betterment of our state. It’s a trait I admire and should serve as wise guidance for all of us representing South Carolina in Congress. “I wish him and Mrs. Hollings all the best in their new endeavors and am confident they will continue to contribute to the well-being of our state and nation.” #####

Aug 01 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Greenville, Florence, Columbia, Aiken, Anderson, Myrtle Beach, and Richland County have received community development and housing assistance grants worth more than $9.6 million dollars. The money will support the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership, and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) programs.
  • Greenville will receive $1.35 million for CDBG Programs for acquisition, demolition, and clearance of substandard properties; housing rehabilitation; direct homeownership assistance; neighborhood and infrastructure improvements in Special Emphasis Neighborhoods; and public services such as employment training and job placement, fair housing initiatives, and youth programs; $422,000 in HOME Investment Partnership funds; and $390,000 in HOPWA funds.
  • Florence will receive $421,000 for CDBG Programs primarily consisting of housing rehabilitation, affordable homeownership opportunities, public services, code enforcement, and economic development.
  • Columbia will receive $1.55 million for CDGB Programs, $914,000 for HOME Investment Partnership Programs, and $862,000 for HOPWA programs. The funds will be used to provide housing rehabilitation and new construction in the city’s neighborhoods.
  • Aiken will receive $263,000 for CDGB Programs for public services, housing rehabilitation and development, demolition, and lot clearance.
  • Anderson will receive $945,000 for CDGB Programs for acquisition, demolition and clearance of substandard properties; housing rehabilitation; public facilities improvements; fair housing initiatives; assistance to microenterprises and small businesses; and two Section 108 loan repayments.
  • Myrtle Beach will receive $244,000 for CDGB Programs to support major infrastructure improvements in the Booker T. Washington Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy area.
  • Richland County will receive $1.68 million for CDGB Programs and $647,000 for HOME Investment Partnership Programs. The funds will be used for activities including emergency housing repair, public sewer facilities, neighborhood revitalization, and planning and administration.
“This is an investment in the future and will help improve the housing needs for many South Carolinians,” said Graham. “These funds will enable people with housing needs to establish themselves in the community and contribute to the overall economic health of the state.”
  • The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) develops viable communities and provides decent housing and a suitable living environment by expanding economic opportunities for low and moderate income households.
  • The HOME Investment Partnership Program creates affordable housing for low-income households. It allows communities to design and implement strategies tailored to their own needs and priorities.
  • The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA) addresses the housing needs of low-income persons diagnosed with AIDS.
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Jul 31 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Anderson Regional Airport will receive a $150,000 grant to install perimeter fencing. “Airport improvements help improve passenger safety and increase the state’s ability to accommodate travel,” said Graham. “It also makes the Anderson region more attractive for business investment and economic development.” The grant was made by the U.S. Department of Transportation. ####

Jul 30 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced more than $515,000 in grants to fire departments in Leesville, Gaston, Waterloo, Travelers Rest, Cheraw, Prosperity, and Olanta. “Firefighters risk their lives to protect others, and they deserve the best equipment and training available,” said Graham. “Firefighters are some of the heroes in our midst.” The Assistance to Firefighters Grants will help the fire departments improve their training, wellness and fitness programs; purchase new firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment; and, make modifications to fire stations and facilities. Leesville Circle Volunteer Fire Department will receive $18,000. Gaston Sandy Run- Calhoun County Station #31 will receive $89,001. Waterloo Waterloo Fire Department will receive $43,596. Travelers Rest Traveler’s Rest Fire Department will receive $10,800. Cheraw Brocks Mill Rural Fire Department will receive $85,176. Prosperity Fairview Volunteer Fire Department will receive $114,966. Olanta Olanta Rural Fire Department will receive $153,980. 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. ####