COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) — Gov. Henry McMaster has signed legislation directing roughly $350 million in earmarks to projects across South Carolina, clearing the way for investments in transportation, public safety, economic development, recreation and infrastructure initiatives statewide.
Earmarks are specific amounts of state money designated by lawmakers for particular projects, programs or organizations in their districts.
The funding package became a political flashpoint during this year’s budget debate. Unlike previous years, the earmarks were separated from the state budget and placed into a standalone bill that lawmakers later approved and sent to the governor…