Graham: ‘optimistic’ about Charleston dredge funding

Graham: ‘optimistic’ about Charleston dredge funding    Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said last week that he is still “optimistic” about funding being made available this year to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin a study on deepening channels in Charleston harbor.
   Graham, who has said he would try to snarl business in the Senate until money was provided, said he had “released the holds I had placed on Senate business because I believe we are making good progress with Vice President (Joe) Biden’s office, Senate Majority Leader (Harry) Reid, Minority Leader (Mitch) McConnell, and others in moving this issue forward.
   “We have agreed to use the two-week recess period to move forward toward a resolution.    I’m optimistic about the progress being made that will ensure the deepening study will be allowed to proceed this fiscal year.
   In response to comments from Graham on the Senate floor, Reid, D-Nev., said, “I am aware of the 12 ports that need help. But out of the 12, there is none more needed — and we as a country would get such a bang for our buck — to do what is necessary than the port of Charleston.”

Graham

   Graham had been seeking $400,000 for the port study, but with the fiscal year half over, his office said he was no longer focused on a particular amount, but wants the study to at least commence this year.
   Graham’s office said the South Carolina State Ports Authority and the Corps of Engineers “are ready to begin this study; however, agreements cannot be signed and the work cannot get started until federal authorization is provided in fiscal year 2011.”
   Graham had proposed language to be included in the fiscal year 2011 continuing resolution that reads, “provided, that the chief of Engineers give consideration to prioritizing general investigations funds to harbor deepening projects, including those that are prepared and are ready to begin first year feasibility study-related activities.”