February 1, 2025

Charleston City Council Funds $15 Million Lowcountry Lowline Project

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News Summary

The Charleston City Council has approved a $15 million funding allocation for the Lowcountry Lowline project, aimed at creating a pedestrian and bicycle path through downtown Charleston. Phase one construction is set to begin soon, with plans to enhance mobility and connect various neighborhoods. This project, rooted in years of planning, represents a significant investment in community infrastructure that promises to transform the city’s transportation landscape.

Charleston City Council Approves $15 Million for Long-Awaited Lowcountry Lowline Project

On January 28, 2025, members of the Charleston City Council gathered to tackle crucial transportation initiatives, putting the long-awaited Lowcountry Lowline project front and center. After nearly a decade of planning, officials have finally given the green light to allocate a robust $15 million in funding sourced from the Cooper River Bridge Tax Increment Financing District. This significant allocation flanks the ambitious aim of creating a transformative pedestrian and bicycle path through the heart of downtown Charleston.

Phase One Construction to Begin Soon

The first phase of the Lowcountry Lowline project is designed to forge a vital connection from Mount Pleasant Street to Line Street. This development is envisioned as a proactive step to enhance community mobility in Charleston, promising to further integrate various neighborhoods into a more cohesive urban layout. City officials are keenly aware of the need to initiate construction without delay, citing rising costs as a pressing concern for the project’s future stages. The construction for phase one is anticipated to commence by the end of 2025, signaling a pivotal moment in Charleston’s transportation evolution.

Background and Funding Insights

The endeavor to realize the Lowcountry Lowline began with approval from the Charleston City Council back in 2015, marking the start of an ambitious journey. The Cooper River TIF District has generated approximately $30 million, a sum permitted for local neighborhood improvements, thus creating a robust financial framework for the project. With inflation and increasing borrowing rates looming, city leaders are emphasizing the importance of securing funding promptly to mitigate potential financial strains.

Connecting Charleston’s Neighborhoods

Once fully realized, the Lowcountry Lowline aims to interconnect various segments of Charleston, including Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, and North Charleston, with downtown Charleston. The second phase of the project will further this ambition by establishing a link from Line Street to Marion Square, ensuring that the pathway weaves through some of the city’s most crucial areas.

A Vision for Walkability and Connectivity

The Lowcountry Lowline is set to transform an abandoned rail line into vibrant parks and accessible walkable paths, placing a strong emphasis on improving connectivity and promoting a walkable and bicycle-friendly Charleston. The city has engaged the PATH Foundation, a renowned organization in trail construction, to bring this vision to fruition. Their experience and commitment to trail-building will be instrumental in shaping the project.

Future Plans and Community Needs

Logan McVey, the Chief Policy Officer for the city, has underscored the commitment toward enhancing connectivity amongst the neighborhoods, ensuring that the Lowcountry Lowline aligns with the residents’ needs. Furthermore, there is currently no federal funding involved in the project, which is attributed to the necessity for simplicity, steering clear of the complex regulations that federal funding often entails.

A Comprehensive Park System in Sight

The estimated budget for the entire project hovers between $5 million and $10 million, reflecting a cautious optimism about its execution. As plans develop, the Lowcountry Lowline represents not merely a transportation initiative but a comprehensive vision for creating a network of parks that connect multiple neighborhoods throughout Charleston. The approach is aimed at maintaining the beauty and functionality of Charleston’s community infrastructure, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of its residents.

As the wheels begin to turn toward the construction phase, the Lowcountry Lowline project stands as a beacon of progress in Charleston, promising to reshape the city’s transportation landscape for years to come.