State veteran official outlines Military Enhancement Fund rules, deadlines and local eligibility

Jason Fowler, military affairs coordinator with the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs, told the Beaufort County Veterans Council that the Military Enhancement Fund began as a $10,000,000 appropriation and now operates with a recurring $2,000,000 allocation in the current cycle. "Eligible recipients are counties and municipalities with federal military installations," Fowler said, and he listed examples that include Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and other major installations across the state.

Fowler walked the council through application mechanics and deadlines, saying proposals are accepted March 1 and Sept. 1 and that the maximum grant per project in the current cycle is $2,000,000. He described typical eligible project categories — land acquisition, recreational and educational facilities for military personnel — and stressed that applications must include a local-government cover letter, an installation commander's signed letter of support, an independent cost estimate and a detailed timeline and budget. Fowler said the review path begins with SCDVA, moves to the Military Based Task Force for scoring, and that "the secretary has final authority" on awards.

The presentation noted the fund can be used to award partial amounts or phased support (for example, funding a study or part of a much larger project) and emphasized that applicants should include other funding sources to improve competitiveness. Fowler encouraged local government staff and non-profit partners to consult SCDVA's website for the full rubric and sample paperwork prior to applying.