Palmetto State News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has unveiled significant funding allocations for various projects in the Savannah River Site, the South Carolina Army National Guard, and the surrounding region. These funding decisions are part of the first Fiscal Year 2024 spending package and were championed by Senator Graham in his capacity as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The Savannah River Site will benefit from several key investments, including the continuation of the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility construction with a staggering $1 billion allocation aimed at enhancing the production of plutonium pits crucial for the nation’s nuclear arsenal. Additionally, $986.5 million will be directed towards the Savannah River Radioactive Liquid Tank Waste Stabilization and Disposition project to ensure the safe management of radioactive waste. Another $35 million will be allocated for the replacement of the Tritium Finishing Facility, essential for the functionality of nuclear weapons. Furthermore, $12.3 million will be provided to communities in Aiken, Allendale, and Barnwell Counties to compensate for property tax losses due to federal lands within their boundaries.

In parallel, the South Carolina Army National Guard is set to receive $20 million for the construction of a new National Guard Readiness Center. This facility is designed to cater to the training, administrative, logistical, and maintenance requirements of the state's Army National Guard, further enhancing their operational capabilities.

Senator Graham's proactive advocacy and successful funding requests underscore a significant investment in critical infrastructure and defense facilities that will not only bolster national security but also support local communities in South Carolina.