Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced the Army Corps of Engineers will receive more than $16 million for dredging projects in the Charleston and Georgetown areas.
The funds include:
- $11,038,000 for dredging in Charleston Harbor.
- $4,000,000 for dredging in Georgetown Harbor ($1.5 million for the entrance channel and $3.5 million for Sampit River and Upper Winyah Bay.)
- $987,000 for dredging in the Folly River
- $459,000 for dredging in Town Creek
“South Carolina’s waterways and harbors are critical to our economy,” said Graham. “They are the backbone of commercial transportation and tourism in South Carolina. We need to ensure they are properly maintained and protected.”
“This funding will ensure that South Carolina’s ports can continue to serve as the gateway to the world for America’s exports,” said DeMint. “Our state's economic growth depends on maintaining the Charleston Harbor and our natural assets.”
The Senators secured the funds in the 2006 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. The legislation passed the Senate last night by a 92-3 vote. The measure will now be referred to a House-Senate Conference Committee.
The Senators also noted they had secured $3 million dollars in the same bill for the maintenance of the Intracoastal Waterway in South Carolina.
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