Columbia, S. C. - Governor Jim Hodges today announced $2 million in emergency aid for the state's tourism industry. Cities around the state have been hurt by the lagging tourism industry since the September 11 attacks.

"Tourism is big business in South Carolina, bringing in $14 billion a year and employing over 200,000 South Carolinians," Hodges said. "Things changed around the world last month, but I am committed to making our state's largest industry even bigger than it was before September 11, 2001."

The emergency funds will be used to create advertising to encourage tourism and travel into South Carolina. The Budget and Control Board will provide the $2 million in aid next week.

This funding is in addition to the $750,000 in immediate aid provided to coastal cities last month. Additionally, Governor Hodges will earmark $4 million for the tourism industry in his 2002-2003 executive budget.