January 9, 2002


FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY


Jim Lander, South Carolina's Comptroller General, has announced his office's release of the audited financial statements for the State of South Carolina for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001. Copies of the financial statements have been sent to the three bond rating firms in New York City so those firms can update the State's credit rating. The Comptroller General's Office also has released to the State Treasurer's Office selected financial information that will be published as part of the offering statements for State general obligation bonds sold during 2002.

The State of South Carolina's most recent financial statements are available at http://www.cg.state.sc.us (click on "SC Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, FY 2001"). The Comptroller General's Office will be pleased to mail a bound copy of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report to those who submit a request by e-mail to bmathias@cg.state.sc.us, by fax to 803-734-2064, by telephone to 803-734-2587, or by U.S. mail to Post Office Box 11228, Columbia, South Carolina 29211.