U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has announced that nearly $150 million in funding will be directed to infrastructure and workforce development projects across South Carolina following the approval of the third Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package. The House of Representatives passed the package on February 3, 2026, after the Senate approved it on January 30 with a vote of 71 to 29.
Senator Graham, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, submitted multiple funding proposals aimed at supporting South Carolina’s interests and advocated for their inclusion in the final legislation.
“As one of the fastest growing states in the nation, the future of South Carolina depends on robust infrastructure systems and a well-trained workforce. I am very pleased that this appropriations package fulfills these needs,” said Graham. “By funding important educational initiatives across vocational schools, four-year colleges, and post-secondary university programs, South Carolina companies will have access to a competitive labor force equipped to fill the jobs of the 21st century. Additionally, this legislation sets aside critical resources to enhance airports, roads, and railways that will in turn boost our economy and accelerate the delivery of goods and services across the state.”
Graham added: “I firmly believe elected representatives have a responsibility to be faithful stewards of taxpayer dollars, and I am proud to have delivered a product that reflects that position.”
Some highlighted projects receiving funds include $20.5 million for roadway improvements in Charleston County; $25 million for runway rehabilitation at Greenville Spartanburg Airport; $7 million for veterinary education at Clemson; $2.4 million for nursing equipment at Coastal Carolina University; as well as several allocations supporting healthcare facilities such as Prisma Health-Upstate ($5 million for oncology equipment), McLeod Health ($1.1 million), Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System ($6 million), Tideland Health ($5 million), and others.
Additional recipients include Charleston Southern University ($1.2 million for aeronautics education), Florence Darlington Technical College ($1 million for nursing equipment), Palmetto Railways ($5.4 million for rail bridge replacement), Piedmont Technical College ($1 million for a mobile welding lab), Town of Pageland ($5.5 million for public safety facility), and University of South Carolina Aiken ($2 million).
According to his official website, Graham is known for focusing on national defense and fiscal responsibility. He leads as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and released updated legislative text related to border-security funding in June 2025. Graham has served as senator since first being elected in 2002 and represents South Carolina within the U.S government.
