Fed budget plan includes money for local projects

By T&D Staff Thursday, February 26, 2009

South Carolina could receive more than $35 million for projects ranging from biomass research to a new interchange at Interstate 95 and U.S. 301 in the federal budget, U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn announced Wednesday.

The House passed its version of the $410 billion budget, including $35 million for state projects, on Wednesday.

"I am pleased to direct federal investments to South Carolina that will enhance local communities, economic development, support higher education, improve the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and preserve some of our state's natural and historic treasurers," Clyburn said.

Congress and then-President George W. Bush were unable to agree to a budget bill last year, requiring passage of a continuing resolution to run government through March 6. Clyburn said the House bill will keep the government running for the remainder of 2009.

Local projects that will receive funding if the bill becomes law are:

* Claflin University will receive $469,000 for its cellulosic biomass program.

* Claflin will also receive $700,000 for its forensic DNA lab.

* The Lake Marion Regional Water Agency will receive $10 million for water lines.

* The Town of Ehrhardt will receive $500,000 for water infrastructure.

* The S.C. Department of Transportation will receive $4.6 million for interchange improvements at I-95 and U.S. 301.

* Calhoun County will receive $190,000 for the construction of a learning center.

In addition, Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the state could receive almost $10 million for science enhancement programs.