First freedmen’s community part of SC budget

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Money for America’s first community of freed slaves is part of the South Carolina budget debate, 150 years after the community’s founding.

The budget proposal being debated on the Senate floor includes $200,000 for the Michelville Preservation Project on Hilton Head Island.

Sen. Tom Davis calls the project on par with preserving the Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg, Pa. The former community at the northern end of Hilton Head Island formed even before the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

The money is in an amendment proposed by Sen. Shane Massey that would remove $4 million for private nonprofits and local public projects.

Davis opposes earmarks and says he agrees with Massey’s premise. But the Beaufort Republican says Mitchelville is worthy in telling the story of citizens’ shared heritage.

Debate continues Wednesday.