Palmetto State News

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today unveiled a series of initiatives set to benefit South Carolina as part of the second Fiscal Year 2024 spending package. The projects cover a wide range of sectors across the state and are aimed at enhancing various aspects of healthcare and education.

Among the notable allocations, Aiken Technical College is slated to receive $1 million for the expansion of its nursing program, while AnMed Health in Anderson will see an infusion of $11.2 million directed towards its emergency department. Cherokee County has been earmarked to receive $2.55 million for the enhancement of its emergency operations center, demonstrating a commitment to bolstering emergency response capabilities.

Claflin University is set to benefit from a $3.6 million allocation aimed at expanding its nursing program, while Colleton County will receive $637,195 for the development of an emergency operations center. Coker University is among the institutions receiving funding, with $2 million dedicated to expanding healthcare education within its facilities.

Dillon County has been allocated $2 million for its emergency operations center, underscoring the importance of emergency preparedness and response. Additionally, Francis Marion University is set to receive $1.2 million for technology and equipment upgrades, further enhancing its academic offerings.

Healthcare institutions are also set to benefit from the funding package, with MUSC Health in Orangeburg receiving $4.3 million to enhance cancer treatment services. Prisma Health in Greenville has been earmarked to receive $10.7 million to expand its hospital capacity for cardiovascular procedures, addressing critical healthcare needs in the region.

Furthermore, investments in workforce development and education are evident in the allocations, with Midlands Technical College set to receive $6 million for workforce development initiatives. Various universities in the state, including the University of South Carolina and its branches, are poised to expand their nursing and healthcare programs with funding ranging from $1.3 million to $3.01 million.

The projects announced by Senator Graham underscore a commitment to advancing key sectors in South Carolina, with a focus on healthcare, education, and emergency response capabilities. The funding injections are poised to make a tangible impact on the state's infrastructure and services, ensuring the well-being and development of its residents for years to come.