Efforts to clean up trash along S.C. roadways, waterways and beaches took a sharp hit this week, as Gov. Mark Sanford vetoed grant money to pay for those ventures.

Sanford eliminated $321,949 in state funding for Palmetto Pride, the state litter control program that was recognized as the best in the nation last year.

When he became governor in January, Sanford vowed to work with Palmetto Pride "to generate more new ideas on opportunities for litter control, education, enforcement and beautification."

He said then that a healthy environment and a good quality of life "are vital to South Carolina's economic development strategy."

In vetoing the funds for the nonprofit organization committed to eradicating litter and promoting beautification, Sanford said the group simply doesn't need the money.

It receives about $2.5 million from court fines each year, he said, making it unnecessary to spend state tax dollars on the program.

Palmetto Pride has used the tax money to award grants to communities to help them promote anti-litter awareness and sponsor cleanup efforts.

Leaders of local beautification groups disagreed with Sanford on whether the money is needed.

"Without the money, some of the groups won't be able to do their program," said Mary Pat Baldauf, executive director of Keep the Midlands Beautiful, one of the organizations that gets grants from Palmetto Pride, and a Palmetto Pride council member.

"It's going to make a difference."

Last year, the funds enabled Baldauf's group to purchase cardboard litter boxes to distribute at festivals, outdoor concerts, and other events.

"It's one of the most successful things we've done," she said. "That's what we're all about -- keeping litter off the ground."

Baldauf said the loss of funds will be a setback to the effort to keep the Midlands litter-free.

"We'll have to be more creative," she said. "Hopefully, we can offset the grant with other donations."

Palmetto Pride was formed three years ago as the Governor's Council on Beautification and Litter and after USC football coach Lou Holtz complained loudly that the state was "pretty trashy."

In December, Palmetto Pride was named the best anti-litter and beautification program in the nation by Keep America Beautiful.

The state group claims to have reduced litter on S.C. highways by 24 percent from 2001 to 2002.

State Sen. David Thomas, R-Greenville, chairman of Palmetto Pride, acknowledged the organization will have to cut grant money going to local communities and schools.

"That significantly impacts the program, but we'll have enough money to fund" Palmetto Pride itself, he said. "We'll be able to keep up most of the elements of the program, but very significantly we'll have to cut the grants portion."

Palmetto Pride officials were careful not to criticize the governor.

"We'll just do the best with what we have," said Becky Barnes, Palmetto Pride's campaign coordinator and the group's registered lobbyist. "We certainly understand this was a tough decision for the governor."

Thomas said he was not angry with the governor either.

"He has to do what has had to do," he said. "We have not been put out of business. We have been hurt, but we're still operational."