Charleston County is moving forward with a proposal for a transportation sales tax referendum in 2026, which could generate approximately $4.25 billion over the next 25 years. This initiative follows the rejection of a similar tax measure in 2024, prompting the County Council to establish a special committee dedicated to discussing the future of transportation funding.
As part of this process, county officials have engaged with residents, municipal leaders, and various stakeholders to gather feedback on infrastructure priorities. The anticipated revenue from the proposed sales tax reflects a 21 percent decrease compared to the projected $5.4 billion from the 2024 referendum.
Draft Allocations and Project Proposals
During a workshop on February 4, county staff shared a draft plan detailing how the funds might be allocated. Following this, the County Council voted in their finance committee meeting on February 5 to amend the proposal, adjusting the allocations for greenbelt and public transportation projects. The council decided to designate $650 million for greenbelt projects and $850 million for transit initiatives. Additionally, $75 million was removed from the Battery Extension project on the Peninsula and redirected to other infrastructure needs.
The council is set to finalize this draft at their upcoming meeting on February 10, where they will also direct county staff to solicit public input for a 30-day period. Feedback from this engagement will inform any necessary revisions to the proposal.
The current list of proposed projects includes several critical infrastructure improvements across Charleston County:
– Flood mitigation enhancements along Lockwood Drive, Hagood Avenue, East Bay Street, Concord Street, and Morrison Drive, part of the Battery Extension Project, with a budget of $225 million. The allocation between these projects remains undetermined.
– Construction of a Southern Pitchfork to connect River Road and Maybank Highway, alongside a roundabout at the intersection of River Road and Cane Slash Road, estimated at $65 million.
– Development of an overpass for eastbound traffic on Glenn McConnell Parkway at the Magwood Drive intersection, projected to cost $100 million.
– Widening of U.S. Highway 17 from Dobbin Road to Main Road, which includes a shared-use path for cyclists and pedestrians, with an estimated cost of $225 million.
In Mount Pleasant, proposed projects include constructing an overpass or a high-capacity at-grade intersection at the junction of U.S. Highway 17 and Houston Northcutt Boulevard, and adding a right-turn lane from Mathis Ferry Road onto Wingo Way, with a total budget of $230 million. Additionally, the reconstruction of Long Point Road is planned to include a multiuse path and left-turn lanes at various intersections, estimated at $170 million.
In North Charleston, there are plans for a Rivers Avenue overpass over the rail line to support the Lowcountry Rapid Transit system, which is expected to cost $175.9 million. Other proposed projects include the widening of Mall Drive and Patriot Boulevard, along with the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Stall Road and Midland Park Road.
For unincorporated areas of Charleston County, the widening of U.S. Highway 17 from Main Road to S.C. Highway 162 is projected at $220 million.
As discussions continue, the County Council remains focused on addressing the pressing infrastructure needs of the region while considering input from the community. The proposed projects reflect a strategic effort to mitigate traffic congestion and enhance overall transportation infrastructure in Charleston County.
