The Black River Initiative will be an economic generator for the region

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Town of Kingstree and Georgetown and Williamsburg counties today praised Senator Lindsey Graham for his leadership in securing $4.6 million in federal funding for the Black River Initiative through the Community Development Program at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding was included as part of the FY23 Omnibus Appropriations Bill which was also supported by Congressman James Clyburn.

The funding will help create and expand three local parks which are all included in South Carolina's Black River Initiative, a 70-mile-long riverine park network and paddling route through Williamsburg and Georgetown counties (map and photos here: openspaceinstitute.canto.com/s/L4GFV). This network of parks, which includes South Carolina's first new state park in 20 years in this rural and historically underserved region of the state, will connect residents to the State Scenic Black River, provide critical flood mitigation for riverside communities, and boost local tourism.

The Black River Initiative is the result of a multi-year collaborative effort led by the Open Space Institute (OSI) in partnership with other non-profit, local, and state government partners which incorporates extensive public outreach and input.

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"The Town of Kingstree appreciates both Senator Lindsey Graham's leadership and the work of the Open Space Institute's partnership in facilitating concepts that will improve public access to our Scenic Black River," said Richard L. Treme, Kingstree Town Manager. "By helping us find ways to enhance the public's appreciation of the history, both natural and cultural, of our waterway, we can ensure that future generations will benefit from the work we are doing today. The economic impact of providing access to our wild spaces and enriching our understanding of what has gone before us will enhance the quality of life for Kingstree and surrounding areas, and for that we are grateful."

Williamsburg County Supervisor Kelvin Washington added, "Williamsburg County thanks Senator Graham for this critical investment for our community. The Black River is both scenic and historic and means a lot to residents. We applaud Senator Graham's efforts and look forward to improving river access for local residents and the many visitors it will attract."

Beth Goodale, Georgetown County's Director of Recreation & Community Services explained, "We were excited to obtain, improve and reopen Rocky Point through the collective work of the Rocky Point partners. We are thrilled to see our local efforts become part of the larger regional Black River Initiative. The regional initiative has brought new attention to what is arguably one of the most beautiful stretches of river in South Carolina and the small towns located within the region."

"The Winyah Rivers Alliance would like to express our gratitude to all of the dedicated partners in the continued efforts to conserve, protect, and bring better access to this ecological and cultural treasure of South Carolina," said Debra Buffkin, Alliance's Executive Director. "We are particularly grateful to Senator Lindsey Graham for funding Georgetown County where we are joint owners of Rocky Point Community Forest. Rocky Point will serve as the anchor for the Black River Water Trail and Park Network.

"We can hardly wait to see the first kayaker paddling up to a camping platform along the banks of the beautiful Black," said Winyah Rivers Alliances Black-Sampit Riverkeeper, Erin Donmoyer.

"The Black River Initiative will be an economic generator for the region," said Senator Graham. "In addition to attracting tourists, creating additional public access, and jumpstarting local businesses along the river, this project will play an important role in flood mitigation efforts. I was proud to be part of this team effort."