Residents of Charleston County may soon benefit from a significant investment in infrastructure, as the County Council considers a new transportation sales tax for 2026. Following the rejection of a similar referendum in 2024, the Council is advancing with a proposed list of projects aimed at enhancing road safety and efficiency throughout the region.
The anticipated 2026 sales tax is projected to generate $4.25 billion over the next 25 years. This figure represents a 21 percent decrease from the $5.4 billion that the 2024 tax would have produced. The Council established a special committee to gather input from residents, municipal leaders, and stakeholders, ensuring that community priorities are reflected in the proposed projects.
Revisions and Allocations
During a workshop held on February 4, 2024, county staff presented a draft allocation of funds. Subsequently, at a finance committee meeting on February 5, the Council voted to amend the distribution. The revised allocations now designate $650 million for greenbelt projects and $850 million for public transportation initiatives. Additionally, the Council agreed to remove $75 million from the Battery Extension project in the Peninsula, reallocating those funds to another infrastructure endeavor.
The Council plans to finalize this initial draft during their meeting on February 10. Following this, they will seek public feedback for a 30-day period, allowing for necessary adjustments based on community input.
Proposed Infrastructure Projects
The proposed infrastructure projects cover a range of critical improvements across the county. Below are some of the key initiatives currently under consideration:
– **Charleston**: Flood mitigation improvements along Lockwood Drive, Hagood Avenue, East Bay Street, Concord Street, and Morrison Drive, as well as drainage enhancements in the Calhoun Street corridor, are budgeted at $225 million. The Council has yet to decide how to distribute funds between these two projects.
– **Southern Pitchfork**: The construction of a connector road between River Road and Maybank Highway, along with a roundabout at River Road and Cane Slash Road, has a proposed cost of $65 million.
– **Glenn McConnell Parkway**: A new overpass for eastbound traffic at the intersection with Magwood Drive is estimated to cost $100 million.
– **U.S. Highway 17**: Widening the highway from Dobbin Road to Main Road, including the addition of a shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians, is projected at $225 million.
– **Mount Pleasant**: An overpass or high-capacity intersection at U.S. Highway 17 and Houston Northcutt Boulevard, alongside a right-turn lane from Mathis Ferry Road onto Wingo Way, is estimated at $230 million. The reconstruction of Long Point Road to include a multi-use path and installation of left-turn lanes is set at $170 million.
– **North Charleston**: The construction of a Rivers Avenue overpass over the rail line between Durant Avenue and Aragon Street, necessary for the Lowcountry Rapid Transit, is budgeted at $175.9 million. Additional projects include widening Mall Drive and Patriot Boulevard, estimated at $100 million and $12 million, respectively.
– **Unincorporated Charleston County**: Widening U.S. Highway 17 from Main Road to S.C. Highway 162 is projected to cost $220 million.
These proposed projects reflect the County Council’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and transportation across Charleston County. As discussions progress and public input is gathered, the final plan will aim to address the community’s pressing transportation needs while ensuring responsible use of taxpayer funds.
