Wes Hickman or Kevin Bishop

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has awarded the University of South Carolina Research Foundation a $555,000 grant to support the Coastal Zone Management Estuarine Research Reserves program. The money will be used to support the National Estuarine Research Reserves System (NERRS). The NERRS program helps to sustain healthy coasts by improving the nation's understanding and stewardship of estuaries. Nationally, there are 25 protected areas, two of which are located in South Carolina: the Ace Basin Reserve and the North Inlet/Winyah Bay Reserve. Each reserve is a ‘living laboratory’ in which scientists conduct research and educators communicate research results. Reserve staff members work with local communities and regional groups to address natural resource management issues, such as non-point source pollution, habitat restoration and invasive species. Through integrated research and education, the reserves help communities develop strategies to deal successfully with coastal resource issues. “South Carolina’s coast is one of our most valuable resources,” said Graham. “It is important that we protect its natural beauty, and support programs that conduct scientific research and increase public awareness.” ####

Kevin Bishop or Wes Hickman

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced one grant and one contract for Aiken County.

• Montmorenci-Couchton Water and Sewer District has been awarded a $196,800 loan by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Office. The funds will be used to install approximately 8,300 feet of waterline and 2 fire hydrants. The new waterline will reinforce the existing system and boost pressure in areas where water flow is currently marginal. It will also provide potable water to residential customers.
• United Defense of York, Pennsylvania has been awarded a $3.93 million increment of a $770 million contract for 35 M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles and 103 M3A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Five percent of the work, approximately $196,500, will be performed at United Defense in Aiken.

“The Montmorenci-Couchton loan will help provide clean water to many homes and businesses in Aiken County,” said Graham. “Infrastructure improvements such as this also help the country attract future economic development.” “The employees of United Defense are helping to win the war against terrorism,” said Graham. “It’s great to see Aiken County and South Carolina playing a vital role in supporting our armed services and men and women in uniform.”

Kevin Bishop or Wes Hickman

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded seven new grants totaling $5.123 million to bolster port security in Charleston and Georgetown. The Office of Domestic Preparedness awarded six of the grants:

• $3.79 million for Charleston County to support port security;
• $590,500 to the South Carolina State Ports Authority for Georgetown;
• $274,000 to the South Carolina State Ports Authority for Charleston;
• $250,000 to the Maritime Association of the Port of Charleston;
• $219,000 for APN Terminals.

“Protecting South Carolina’s ports from potential security threats is one of the most important issues our state faces in a post September 11th world,” said Graham. “Thousands of people live and work around our ports. The safety of South Carolinians is priority number one and these funds will help ensure our ports remain safe, and open for business.” Graham noted that this is the second round of grant announcements this week for port security. Earlier in the week, DHS awarded a $1.7 million grant to the South Carolina State Ports Authority for security enhancements at the Port of Charleston.

Wes Hickman or Kevin Bishop

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) announced today the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded the city of Summerville a $34,344 grant for fire prevention programs. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant will help the fire department with their public education and awareness activities, fire code enforcement activities, fire inspection certificates, purchase and installation of smoke alarms and fire suppression systems, wildland fire mitigation and arson prevention and detection activities. “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.