Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and U.S. Rep. Henry Brown (R-Hanahan) today announced they have obtained approval for $250,000 in federal funding to complete the dredging of the Steel Mill Channel in Georgetown.
The work is expected to proceed within the next month in conjunction with other dredging activities currently ongoing in Georgetown Harbor. The channel is currently not navigable to ships carrying cargo. Dredging will make the former mill location more attractive to future buyers who would operate the mill.
“These funds will allow the dredging of the harbor to go forward,” said Graham. “There’s a lot of good reasons to dredge the harbor, one of the most pressing is to make it more attractive for a new employer to locate at Georgetown Steel. Delaying the dredging operations will result in increased costs and we could possibly lose a window of opportunity to secure a new employer. There’s no doubt the area has been hard hit and is in need of new jobs.”
“I want to personally thank my colleagues, Sen. Fritz Hollings and Congressman Henry Brown, for all the work they put toward this effort,” said Graham. “It would not have been possible without a team effort.”
Rep. Brown said, “I am very pleased that the Army Corps of Engineers has been so cooperative and will finish dredging to the pier area near Georgetown Steel. This is so important to the economic and commercial viability of this region. With the channel reopened to water traffic in the next few weeks, this project should provide the necessary incentive for a buyer to acquire the Georgetown Steel property and get it fully operating again. As a result, we can look forward to the return of job stability and economic growth for the Georgetown area.”
#####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1419)
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Pee Dee Community Action Agency in Florence has been awarded a $225,000 grant to support the Weed and Seed program. This is the fifth award to support the program in Florence.
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.
During this project period, law enforcement efforts will focus on decreasing crime and violence involving guns and other criminal activities in the designated area. They will also focus on community corrections and alternative sentencing for juveniles.
“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.
####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Georgetown County Water and Sewer District will receive a $2.845 million grant and a $1.314 million loan for sewer infrastructure improvements.
The funds will be used to construct approximately twelve miles of eight-inch gravity wastewater collection line, 27,000 linear feet of force main, and eight pump stations.
“The community in which this work will be done ranks fifth on DHEC’s list of communities needing improved sewer service,” said Graham. “These infrastructure improvements will help alleviate a growing health concern and make the area more attractive for future development.”
The grant and loan were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today said he was pleased with the meeting the congressional delegation held with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and State Ports Authority (SPA) to discuss issues relating to the decision to build a new marine cargo terminal on the former Charleston Naval Base.
There has been concern the Corps would want to conduct a full-blown Environmental Impact Study (EIS) which would slow progress on the project. The Navy base has already been the subject of environmental studies and additional delay could hurt the state’s economy.
“I believe another extended study would slow down our progress and be totally unnecessary,” said Graham. “I also think it would be a waste of taxpayer dollars.”
“As Senator Hollings noted in our meeting, a similar situation existed in Norfolk, Virginia and it only took six months to get everything resolved,” said Graham. “If it’s an achievable standard for Norfolk then it should be achievable for Charleston. After meeting with them, I think the Corps will work in good faith with us to expedite this.”
“The congressional delegation is totally behind this effort and understands the urgent need to expand the port as soon as possible,” said Graham. “The port is one of the leading economic engines in our state and every day we delay hurts businesses in our state.”
Also in attendance at the meeting were Representives Henry Brown and Gresham Barrett, and staff from the offices of Representatives Jim DeMint, Joe Wilson, John Spratt, and Jim Clyburn.
####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Beech Island Rural Community Water District will receive a $2.9 million loan for water infrastructure improvements.
The funds will be used to install approximately 2,896 radio-read meters, a new office building, a new well and treatment building, approximately 4,800 feet of six-inch water main.
“Infrastructure improvements help provide better service to the residents of Beech Island and make the area more attractive for future economic development,” said Graham.
The loan was awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Lake City will receive a $2.2 million loan for water infrastructure improvements.
The funds will be used to install approximately 19 miles of water lines and for the replacement of existing meters.
“Infrastructure improvements help provide better service to the residents of Lake City and make the area more attractive for future economic development,” said Graham.
The loan was awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority will receive a $2.57 million grant and a $3.25 million loan for water and sewer infrastructure improvements.
The funds will be used to construct a new 2 million gallon per day water treatment plant, a 12 million gallon per day raw water intake, and a 4 million gallon per day pumping station.
“Infrastructure improvements help provide better service to the residents of Saluda County and make the area more attractive for future economic development,” said Graham.
The grant and loan were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today attended a White House Rose Garden ceremony with the President and First Lady to honor the four finalists for National Teacher of the Year.
Among the finalists was Jason Fulmer from Graniteville, South Carolina’s Teacher of the Year for 2003-04. Fulmer is a third-grade teacher at Redcliffe Elementary in Aiken.
“Jason is a dedicated educator and I want to extend my congratulations on his distinguished achievement,” said Graham, a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). “It is indeed an honor to be recognized by your peers as South Carolina’s Teacher of the Year and even more so to be selected as one of four national finalists. He has served his community and state well and has done an excellent job representing South Carolina.”
The National Teacher of the Year was awarded to Kathy Mellor of Rhode Island. Other finalists included Fulmer, Kyle Hileman, Kansas Teacher of the Year, and Dennis Griner, Washington State Teacher of the Year.
####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the University Center in Greenville will receive a $198,820 federal grant to improve educational resources.
The funds will be used to replace outdated educational technology and software acquisitions for the Center.
“The University Center plays a vital role in the Upstate’s educational system,” said Graham, a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. “These funds will help improve educational opportunities available to people in the area.”
The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.
####
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 York County and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“I am disappointed that any portion of the county was considered to be out of attainment. I think we made a strong case as to why we should not have been lumped in with Charlotte-Mecklenburg. However, I also understand the EPA’s decision could have been worse and am glad they chose not to place the entire county in non-attainment.
“The county and state, on their own initiative, have put in place air quality remedies. It’s my hope and belief this will achieve the goal of providing better air quality and minimize further action by the EPA.
“Over the coming days and weeks, we’ll study this decision and see what it holds for the future. I will continue to closely monitor this situation and see what further steps, if any, can and should be taken. Needless to say, I remain concerned that today’s decision will have a negative impact on future economic development efforts in the county.”
#####
