<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>On March 18, the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism awarded $75,000 to the Port Royal Sound Foundation to enhance and expand its water quality programming.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>S.C. State Representatives Bill Herbkersman and Weston Newton awarded the check to the foundation surrounded by an audience of supporters, board members and students and teachers from River Ridge Academy.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>“The Port Royal Sound Foundation is so honored to receive this grant from the State of South Carolina,” Port Royal Sound Foundation executive director Jody Heyward said in a release. “This funding helps our young organization to continue its important work in educating residents and visitors about the Port Royal Sound. The Sound plays such a vital role in defining the health of our community, our businesses and our No. 1 economic driver – tourism.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>“This partnership will help us to expand our offerings to better serve the people and waters of Beaufort County.”&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Port Royal Sound Foundation opened the Maritime Center in November 2014 on the shores of the Chechessee River and has welcomed more than 70,000 visitors through its doors.&nbsp;</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The Maritime Center educates visitors and builds their appreciation for this unique body of water. Tours, field trips, special events, forums, presentations, art shows, summer camps and more are available to the public, and admission to the Maritime Center is free.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>For more information, contact Sarah Walbert at 843-645-7774 or swalbert@portroyalsoundfoundation.org.&nbsp;<br></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->