DNR chairwoman steps down, but will stay on board

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The chairwoman of the board that oversees the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is stepping down.

Caroline Rhodes said Friday will keep her seat on the seven-member board, but allow Gov. Nikki Haley to select someone else to run the group.

Rhodes says her husband asked her to step aside after one of his friends and close business partners died so she could spend more time with her family.

Rhodes denied that her resignation was linked to allegations from Democratic lawmakers that she lied under oath when testifying about DNR’s role in the port dredging project in Savannah, Ga.

The governor appoints all seven members of the DNR board. Haley released a statement thanking Rhodes for her service as chairwoman.