COLUMBIA - Local governments will receive about $200,000 in state funds to fight potential base closings in South Carolina.

A new round of military cuts will be announced in May 2005 in the federal Base Realignment and Closure program.

The General Assembly appropriated $200,000 in state funds for fiscal year 2003-04. The cities of Beaufort, Columbia and Sumter and Charleston County will receive $50,000 each to protect installations through studies or public relations efforts.

"Based on the judgment of these panels, I believe $200,000 is a worthwhile and entirely appropriate investment to help protect what is essentially a $4 billion industry in this state," said Gov. Mark Sanford.