South Carolina transportation officials prepare for 2017 funding fight
COLUMBIA — With five months until the start of the legislative session, S.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Christy Hall and the agency’s commission are gearing up to pressure lawmakers to increase funding.
The group is developing a plan to boost annual allocations for improvements to crumbling roads and bridges — especially the primary road system of main roads, state routes and U.S. highways that carry around half of the driving public across the state.
“I would argue we’re still in a state of crisis on the primary network,” Hall said.
To tackle road needs this year, the Legislature approved Act 275, which essentially is a $4 billion borrowing plan. But the money is a one-time shot to address a nearly $40 billion cost projected out for the next three decades.
Read more: http://www.postandcourier.com/20160817/160819450/sc-transportation-officials-prepare-for-2017-funding-fight