This week the Governor wrote Senators Thurmond and Hollings, as well as the state's U.S. House delegation, asking for immediate assistant to repair the decaying fort. The Governor's action was prompted by stories this weekend in The Post and Courier newspaper, which detailed distressing conditions at the fort.
"Fort Sumter is a national treasure, but it is also a great symbol of South Carolina's heritage. I will continue to look for ways to make sure the fort will be in great shape for generations to come," Governor Beasley said.
"Fort Sumter is also a treasure for our economy. Heritage-based tourism is on the upswing, and Fort Sumter is one of South Carolina's most popular tourist destinations," Governor Beasley said. "Making sure it is in top condition is important to our economy as well as our sense of pride."
Note: A copy of letters the Governor sent to Senators Hollings and Thurmond accompany this release. Letters to the U.S. House delegation are similar to these.