HUD PRESENTS PRESERVE AMERICA CHECK TO SOUTH CAROLINA PRESERVE AMERICA INITIATIVE

COLUMBIA, SC - At an event held today, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Atlanta Regional Director Bob Young awarded and presented a ceremonial Preserve America check for $150,000. Joining HUD Atlanta Regional Director Bob Young was Rodger Stroup, Director of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History and Elizabeth Johnson, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer and other local leaders.

In an effort to promote the Preserve America initiative and preserve historic communities, HUD has partnered with
the Advisory Council, other federal agencies, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the President's Council on Environmental Quality, and the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities. First Lady Laura Bush is the honorary chair of Preserve America. To date, 521 communities have been designated as Preserve America communities.

"Preserve America Communities, neighborhoods, and grant recipients know the importance of historic preservation
to the economic, educational, esthetic, and cultural life of America, as well as to their residents, their visitors, and especially to their children," said HUD Atlanta Regional Director Bob Young. "The citizens of South Carolina do a
great job of preserving and promoting their heritage. The funds awarded today will go a long way to preserving
and promoting South Carolina's heritage."

The funds awarded today will be used to provide matching grants ($20,000 or less) to projects in smaller cities and towns (population 25,000 or less) in South Carolina that are beginning to plan and implement economic development that incorporates their history and historic resources. South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office will be partnering with other state organizations to encourage, identify and select projects, and organize site visits to provide assistance and advice to grantees.

Preserve America is a White House initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the initiative include a greater shared knowledge about the nation's past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the
country's cultural and natural heritage assets, and support for the economic vitality of our communities.

"In addition to governments, the private sector - businesses, philanthropic groups, historical organizations, educational institutions, and private citizens - also have a crucial role to play. Public-private partnerships are
already supporting excellent preservation work throughout our country, and they'll be vital to preserving our
national treasures in the years ahead," said Mrs. Bush.

For further information on the Preserve America initiative go to: www.preserveamerica.gov

For local information contact: Elizabeth Johnson, (803) 896-6168.
For further information contact: Angelo Scioscia, HUD, (803) 253-3201.

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