Charleston County Proposes $5.4 Billion Transportation Sales Tax for Major Road Projects and Green Space Preservation

Charleston County Eyes Major Road Projects with Proposed Tax

Charleston County, S.C. is buzzing with conversations about a proposed Transportation Sales Tax that promises to bring in a whopping $5.4 billion over the next 25 years! While much of the chatter has been focused on the much-discussed I-526 extension, there are actually a dozen other road projects and initiatives that will benefit from this suggested tax. Exciting times are ahead for Charleston!

The Breakdown of the Proposed Tax

Of the total tax revenue, a significant chunk—around $1.8 billion—is earmarked for the Mark Clark extension. Meanwhile, the remaining $811 million will be divided among the 12 other projects. But that’s not all; in a record-setting move, the county has set aside $432 million for the Greenbelt program, which aims to preserve natural spaces for the community.

As County Council Vice Chair, Jenny Costa Honeycutt, noted, “We have literally preserved over 25,000 acres of green space through this program, and we have done that with far less than $400 million.” Sounds like a win-win for the area’s green spaces and community scenic beauty!

Concerns About Green Space Funding

However, not everyone agrees with how the funds are being allocated. Critics are expressing concern that the portion allocated for green space has decreased from 17% in 2004 to a mere 8% now. Faith Rivers James, executive director of the Coastal Conservation League, pointed out that this decline feels problematic, especially considering the rising costs of real estate. “It really does strap the program from being effective,” she said.

Mass Transit Operations Get Their Share

Another notable allocation is the $648 million designated for CARTA and other mass transit operations. This move is seen as essential to improving public transportation options in the county, but many are still waiting for the county to provide detailed cost estimates for each of the 12 projects on the list.

“We’ve committed over $800 million to address those projects and we will leverage those dollars with federal and state resources, as well as grants,” Honeycutt explained, emphasizing that the team is confident in their strategy.

Opposition Raises Red Flags

Despite the optimistic outlook, some are raising red flags. The total price tag for the 12 proposed projects adds up to about $1.2 billion. However, the initial allocation designated in the referendum is only $800 million, resulting in a 50% shortfall. “This already puts us in a tough situation,” James explained.

Learning from Past Experiences

Charleston County voters may feel hesitance given the experiences from a similar sales tax referendum passed in 2016. While it was projected to raise $2.1 billion, only one out of its 17 projects has been completed. This has led some residents to question the county’s ability to deliver on promises yet again.

James highlighted, “A number of traffic solutions that we supported in 2016 haven’t been done yet. In fact, only one has been completed.” This track record has made some residents think twice before voting ‘yes’ again.

Looking Ahead

On a more optimistic note, officials argue that progress is underway, albeit slowly. “We are eight years into a 25-year tax, and some of these projects can take a decade just to permit,” Honeycutt reassured the public.

As of now, 300 projects have been funded by the current transportation sales tax, with 200 completed and another 100 in progress. The 2004 transportation sales tax is expected to wrap up once $1.3 billion is raised, likely by 2026 or 2027.

With the deadline for the upcoming referendum approaching, Charleston County residents are faced with an exciting, yet challenging decision regarding the future of their roadways and green spaces. Your vote is your voice—will it be a ‘yes’ for progress?