CALHOUN FALLS, SC - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and Representative Gresham Barrett have secured final Congressional approval for a long-delayed development project at Lake Russell. Monday, September 24, the Senate passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA). The legislation instructs the federal government to sell approximately 600 acres of land around Lake Russell to the state of South Carolina. The land will be combined with other state held lands and developed to include a hotel, conference center, marina and housing. The development will create jobs and spur growth in an economically-depressed area.

“This project represents the economic development model of the future,” said Graham. “A public-private venture that will respect the area’s environment while bringing a much needed economic boost to the region. I want to thank Gresham Barrett for his leadership in shepherding this through the House. I look forward to seeing this project through to its completion. It’s been in the works for about a decade and I’m glad we are finally getting close to moving this project forward.”

“I am glad to see the Lake Russell project come successfully through the House and the Senate, putting a partnership in place that is a win-win for everyone,” said Congressman Barrett. “I appreciate the efforts by Senator Graham to ensure this project was included in the final legislation. With each step we move closer to a successful conclusion. This project has been a long time coming – it will bring economic development to the region and the state while ensuring Lake Russell is protected and preserved in its natural state.”

WRDA was passed by the House of Representatives in August.