Congressman Clyburn announces sixth district priorities included in house-passes appropriations package

June 19, 2019

Congressman James E. Clyburn announced several priority projects in South Carolina were included in the appropriations package passed by the U.S. House of Representatives today.

“I am pleased to support this bill that grows our economy, protects our environment, repairs our infrastructure, strengthens health care, invests in education, and sets up rural communities in South Carolina for continued success,” said Congressman Clyburn. “This appropriations package also rejects proposed cuts to critical programs in Trump’s budget and shows the people of South Carolina that we will continue to push to make America’s greatness accessible and affordable for all Americans.”

H.R. 2740 totals $982.8 billion and consists of four fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills that funds federal agencies, including the departments of Labor, Health and Human Service, Education, Defense, State, and Energy.

Below are priorities from the Sixth District and across South Carolina that could benefit from the funding package:

Telehealth

The legislation provides $28.5 million for telehealth projects and $6 million of that amount will support Telehealth Centers for Excellence. The Medical University of South Carolina is one of those Centers, and it provides nearly a quarter million telehealth services to more than 200 sites in 27 counties, 28 hospitals, more than 100 community clinics and 50 schools.

South Carolina Colleges and Universities

Historically Black Colleges and Universities will benefit from this appropriations legislation that increases the HBCU STEM Education fund by $10 million.  An additional $10 million has been allocated for the HBCU Historic Preservation Fund, which is Congressman Clyburn’s long-time priority to renovate historic structures on HBCU campuses nationwide.

The legislation also increases funding for the National Mesonet Program, which is critical for providing weather information for the National Weather Service. Coastal Carolina University operates one of the Mesonet facilities that collects data on Atlantic Coast hurricanes.

Charleston Harbor

This legislation includes full funding for the $138 million request for the Charleston Harbor deepening project, which was also included in the President’s budget request.

Lake Marion

This legislation includes $100 million for the Environmental Infrastructure account, which represents a $23 million increase over last year’s allocation. The Lake Marion Regional Water Agency is eligible to apply for these funds to extend its service area to provide potable water and sewage to communities in parts of the Sixth Congressional district.