[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6223209,"mediaKeyId","3576843-649a2988a972685a57a0e96df7305941","parentId",3576843,"title","Beaufort County council approves revised US‑278 bridge plan and funding amendment with SCDOT and SIB","audioSeconds",547,"startMs",12509000,"endMs",13056000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576843-649a2988a972685a57a0e96df7305941&start=12509&end=13056","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576843-649a2988a972685a57a0e96df7305941/thumbnail_12509000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6223209/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Beaufort-County-council-approves-revised-US278-bridge-plan-and-funding-amendment-with-SCDOT-and-SIB","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223209-b2745ff56a539253f936f40d34594eef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184077&Signature=fAKu7xGmutWHEL4RWZSojlYwWDb5CzKmcjv2ovEloF9~SM0wFBnB1IyfycKQi6wXXoPtFJUNVkO5AFSULsEFfEdPb6fy-GI06k3aT~GP2ujvZAaWDL7T6~oG4cRuRyCcTIKIMwYYZsgInVMjEEbzZtQMV00kVFwlWlVaIWdIl2OXyvUxFdW-Xt9dpt5JPruM3IjLedEitqwMn4UnywSai-0z0qLOxO7Vz0Zgj-GJE7yF7bFCvx1uxNySjZKfWEbh6JbjRmgZ28A9YZ7TDWT10p8Wr6kC2ntsa8nE9Q0BH3DDIrbztdDXg~B6r~mT6PetYDnb~5ZmvJVVELeNz08l8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","BCTV","date","2025-05-28T01:30:10Z","article","Beaufort County Council on May 27 approved a resolution redefining the US‑278 corridor project — also called the William Hilton Parkway Gateway Corridor — to align the scope with available funding and a revised schedule.

The council’s action followed a presentation by county administration describing a reduced project scope that retains a new eastbound span (scribed for three lanes but initially configured for two), preserves the existing westbound structure for access to Pinckney Island and narrows earlier, larger proposals. County administrator Mike Moore said the total project estimate is $311,600,000 with county contribution of $101,000,000, SCDOT contribution of $90,600,000 and a $120,000,000 commitment from the State Infrastructure Bank (SIB). Moore said $13,070,000 has already been spent on the effort.

The council also passed a late amendment that clarifies how cost overruns will be shared: SCDOT will be responsible for a pro‑rata share not to exceed 29.08% of total overruns based on its $90,600,000 share of the $311,600,000 estimate; the county will provide the remainder. That amendment passed on a roll‑call vote, and the main motion as amended also passed on roll call.

Why this matters: the corridor and bridge project has been the most discussed item in Beaufort County for years. Residents and Hilton Head elected officials told council repeatedly that replacing the structurally deficient Mackay Creek span is necessary for safety but that wider corridor work and intersection fixes on Hilton Head Island must also be funded and planned. Supporters of the revised plan argued it reduces construction impacts and preserves the county’s state funding, while opponents called it a “bait and switch” that removes corridor capacity work that residents wanted funded.

Key details and timeline

- Project total estimate: $311,600,000; county: $101,000,000; SCDOT: $90,600,000; SIB: $120,000,000. Already expended: $13,070,000.
- Contingency: staff said a 20% contingency is included in the estimate (roughly $62 million of the total project cost).
- Design and delivery: county staff said the project would move to traditional design‑bid‑build to reduce schedule risk and that recent SCDOT design work avoided relocation of an underground water line, saving roughly $15–$20 million.
- Construction schedule presented by SCDOT: construction start March 2028; projected completion around January 2031. The agreement includes deadlines tied to the SIB commitment; if the project is not completed by the agreed date, the county risks losing the SIB funds and would be obligated to repay the SIB per the bank’s standard terms.

Public comment and council concerns

Public commenters — including Hilton Head Town Council members and residents — criticized the revised scope for dropping many on‑island corridor improvements. Melinda Turner of the Hilton Head Town Council told the county, “All cost overages will be the shared responsibility of the DOT and the county, and the county will be on the hook for all the SIBs payments if the project is not completed per the timeline. This gives residents some pause as they think about who would ultimately pay the bill.”

Opponents also argued that the county should let SCDOT replace the deficient span, use the county’s previously approved local funds for on‑island corridor fixes, and avoid taking on long‑term obligations.

Supporters, including Senator Davis, said the reduced plan makes progress on both safety and resiliency, and he urged town leaders to supply a concrete island master plan so state and federal funding can be aligned with local corridor work. Senator Davis told council, “I am not saying that this bridge... is going to solve that problem. But if you develop a master plan and we put the financing in place, you can have that done concurrently.”

Council votes and motions

- Amendment (explicitly defining SCDOT responsibility for overruns at 29.08%): moved by Vice Chair Tabernick; seconded by Councilman Passamette. Roll‑call recorded votes include: Tabernick (yes), Passamette (yes), Reitz (no), Mark Lawson (yes), Glover (yes), Dawson (yes), Cunningham (yes), Brown (no), Bartholomew (yes), Chair Alice Howard (yes). The amendment passed.
- Main motion (resolution authorizing the revised project and IGA changes), as amended: passed by roll call with recorded no votes from Council members Reitz and Brown and yes votes from the remaining council members.

Discussion vs. formal action

Council discussion included questions about contingency, SCDOT’s willingness to share in overruns and contract incentives or penalties for timeliness. Administration and the delegation said the SIB’s standard terms require repayment if the work is not completed by deadline and that the county’s commitment to meet schedule obligations has been public since earlier grant negotiations. The formal council actions were the amendment and the main motion recorded above.

What comes next

County staff will finalize the intergovernmental agreement and continue negotiations with SCDOT and the State Infrastructure Bank. Senator Davis and county staff indicated they will continue advocacy with state partners. The agreement retains construction responsibilities with SCDOT; staff said details on contract incentives and liquidated damages should be negotiated into the procurement documents.

Sources and attribution

Reporting is based on the May 27 Beaufort County Council meeting, presentations by County Administrator Mike Moore, statements from Senator Davis, and public comment from town officials and residents.

Ending

Council members split along cautious and forward‑moving lines but ultimately voted to accept the revised corridor plan and funding amendment. The project will move into the next design and agreement stages with SCDOT and the SIB, while on‑island corridor advocates seek a separately costed master plan and funding commitments from the town.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Beaufort County Council Caucus and County Council Meeting 4 PM and 6PM Meeting May 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Beaufort County Council on May 27 approved a revised plan and funding amendment for the US‑278 William Hilton Parkway Gateway Corridor, defining a reduced bridge scope and an overruns formula that assigns up to 29.08% of extra costs to SCDOT and the remainder to the county.","taxTitle","Beaufort County, South Carolina","taxId",5067,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6223188,"Council refers Pine Island development agreement to Natural Resources Committee and authorizes settlement negotiation in litigation",87,19269000,19356000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576843-649a2988a972685a57a0e96df7305941&start=19269&end=19356","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576843-649a2988a972685a57a0e96df7305941/thumbnail_19269000.jpg","/articles/6223188/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Council-refers-Pine-Island-development-agreement-to-Natural-Resources-Committee-and-authorizes-settlement-negotiation-in-litigation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223188-5b04cfb7ae676a4b7695ec4eade43e7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184077&Signature=ZeIuZUnPxFz83Ays4YXN1tYzPly6kHq9JV-Bl45gEr3YdKIw0DXnhOO4lLITY6PKr73K29alGGILRs5HdN0Rgx1T0wra-cWhbHL1UHyZueAidrZYwXBYJBP-6yWFKJymLBCEES9Ete6OOBCeIvrPWkjuO2CIkXLsB5oGEqu5je0o~tabizB53brfMb4lBevGmurK~zi~8gRxvuMp~xwHQoaSZQTEM46KmJF3~LFL7914PbJ5RyVj1aT-21ySrz3sEBHj-HwZ6elwusJU-x1VEaOIr~MuQN685Ppwe2tkPaU2X2kDdc0On2szNMNjTH7uS24EmUT2Vqc~Lkter02bBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Following an executive session at the end of its May 27 meeting, Beaufort County Council announced two formal actions.

First, Councilman Bosselvie moved — and council unanimously approved — a referral of the Pine Island development agreement application to the Natural Resources Committee for discussion and a public hearing after staff and legal review. The referral makes the committee the next formal forum to consider the application.

Second, council authorized the county attorney to negotiate a settlement agreement in the case captioned City of Hardeeville; Jasper County; Jasper County Auditor; Jasper County Treasurer; Nickel Plate Road, LLC v. Beaufort County (pending litigation), and authorized the county administrator to execute the settlement on terms discussed in executive session. The motion carried unanimously by show of hands.

Why it matters

Both actions map next procedural steps for sensitive, potentially litigious matters. The Pine Island referral moves the development‑agreement review back into a committee setting with public hearing requirements; the settlement authority gives county counsel and administration power to conclude litigation within the parameters discussed in executive session.

Ending

Council stated there may be items to come out of executive session and, having made the two public actions, adjourned the meeting.","After executive session on May 27, Beaufort County Council unanimously referred the Pine Island development agreement application to the Natural Resources Committee for staff and legal review and public hearing, and authorized staff to negotiate and execute a settlement in pending litigation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6223194,"Council approves purchase of North Widgeon property after amendment to recognize owner’s tax‑deduction request fails",801,18452000,19253000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576843-649a2988a972685a57a0e96df7305941&start=18452&end=19253","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576843-649a2988a972685a57a0e96df7305941/thumbnail_18452000.jpg","/articles/6223194/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Council-approves-purchase-of-North-Widgeon-property-after-amendment-to-recognize-owners-taxdeduction-request-fails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223194-74aa64b9288166fdd9e6ea985e4523ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184077&Signature=VVOZDOr-nl23q-mnu9Iqa1gWv2bMHCQpw3ZkHSBrih7nbO9vx0eWbwnlslozotlacGRQ0zFvmXx2hMnG2JaP~e09eVFRIPIUD14MxlCuocywhlefnu-uCvUyu-8tFgdGWi9NLLw858BWOITzE2UVlLHJ2qtd638KxlCuBKIO9mRACZDhritoBHCexRimTf3AJ4VF-c9WGx7D78tTjo58C7rc8mY4goZ8ZDM5sp7quYZ-1bwmkBbP4ETp-4~Vxw8qHHXKzvHjzXTL3acQJPe~PdqVFICi-SRc5FMsYD-~EeX5R5xiKpQcxLiiTxNtHrlGs7HV9G2V7NFR6uDs2G-HEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Beaufort County Council on May 27 approved an ordinance authorizing the county administrator to execute documents to accept right‑of‑way and related conveyances for the North Widgeon property (six parcels) in a vote taken after an unsuccessful amendment on how to record an owner donation.

At second reading a council member moved to add preamble language acknowledging that the landowner had provided a tax appraisal valuing the property at $2,920,000 and to authorize the county administrator to sign IRS Form 8283 to confirm receipt of a $220,000 donation toward the conveyance. Council debate focused on potential liability and precedent from signing the IRS form; one member who formerly worked at the Internal Revenue Service said he opposed the change.

The amendment failed on a 5‑5 split in roll call. After that, council voted to approve the original ordinance authorizing the purchase and conveyance documents without the IRS Form 8283 language.

Why this matters

The property adjoins the county’s existing Widgeon Point holdings and was described in council discussion as important for conservation and public access. The owner’s appraisal and the requested donation recognition were the subject of competing concerns: securing the land versus exposing the county to potential administrative or legal risk by executing an IRS tax form on the owner’s behalf.

Votes and procedure

- Amendment to add preambles and authorize county execution of IRS Form 8283: motion failed 5–5 on roll call (votes recorded in the transcript). Several council members cited legal risk and the need for county policy guidance on accepting valuation acknowledgments.
- Final ordinance authorizing acceptance of right‑of‑way and conveyance of North Widgeon property: approved by roll call vote.

Ending

Council approved acquisition of the North Widgeon parcels; the unsuccessful amendment means the county did not execute IRS Form 8283 to acknowledge the owner’s $220,000 valuation difference. Administration said it will pursue recommended policy guidance for similar future requests.","Beaufort County Council voted May 27 to approve an ordinance authorizing acquisition of the North Widgeon property. An amendment that would have had the county execute IRS Form 8283 to recognize a $220,000 owner donation failed on a 5‑5 tie before the main ordinance passed.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6223199,"Green Space Committee presents spreadsheet of projects; committee seeks periodic council briefings",1488,4744000,6232000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576843-649a2988a972685a57a0e96df7305941&start=4744&end=6232","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576843-649a2988a972685a57a0e96df7305941/thumbnail_4744000.jpg","/articles/6223199/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Green-Space-Committee-presents-spreadsheet-of-projects-committee-seeks-periodic-council-briefings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223199-91ff71df40384c1eb1d3ef916a26081b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184077&Signature=NVdHxeYRkXxRvsZf00Vt-RfmRdvkeYENdf-EJ4fZ9NpE4Ir7xP1atQAEDYqiaz5U6liNOPrV~DnYR9zxq3wiNQrtPSVtUs0EwM-iWZt1JZf3sz48xDGnIr9sTtbas2sprIpP-jr1x4u~dojRhhMu5FevrAxZznCNM3teTOkV27cgsSBTchU8cILqRX01baIZ9sPFktGXnIf0bW2tIh6hIPwIj-3vKMRH6r85zg3Gmv1yVmF7uAr0tGptrLD5oFyNW742O2Y4Ntyq5ITR0o2HcoV1li6~2jH5E1lKP6yEBrK-R5~ysjDR1YNk6XhGA3rU5WLHBU3RiH2aP7mRRZDnuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Beaufort County’s Green Space Committee chair Mike McShane briefed County Council on May 27 about active land‑conservation projects, a living project spreadsheet and committee membership timelines.

McShane said the spreadsheet — arranged by the ordinance’s four regions (northern, eastern, southern and western) — lists projects approved for due diligence, amounts requested, and items that have completed council approvals. He noted the committee will update the document periodically and recommended quarterly briefings to council, with staff providing copies on request.

McShane highlighted the Gregory Neck project in Jasper County as an example of an out‑of‑county application the committee has considered. He also explained committee composition: the ordinance created a seven‑member panel with four regional seats and three at‑large seats (one geographic seat tied to county council, one delegation seat; the regional seats were initially timed so half of them are not yet eligible for reappointment). The geographic and delegation seats are eligible for reappointment June 30.

Council members asked about a Buckwalter Park application in the western region; McShane said staff has reached out repeatedly to the town but has not received a response and the committee will “suspend it” until the applicant responds.

Why it matters

Green Space projects involve public funds and land‑conservation decisions that can affect development rights, public access and future capital spending. McShane told council that he intends the spreadsheet to be a living document and said the committee can bring recommendations on reappointments and project prioritization back to council.

Ending

Council accepted the update and asked staff to provide the spreadsheet as requested. McShane said the committee will meet June 13 in Bluffton and continue due‑diligence work with staff.","Mike McShane, chair of Beaufort County’s Green Space Committee, presented a spreadsheet of projects and due‑diligence statuses by region and proposed a regular reporting cadence to county council. Committee members discussed outreach to towns and reappointments for regional seats.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6223204,"Beaufort County council amends budget allocations; keeps overall millage strategy intact",640,14585000,15225000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3576843-649a2988a972685a57a0e96df7305941&start=14585&end=15225","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3576843-649a2988a972685a57a0e96df7305941/thumbnail_14585000.jpg","/articles/6223204/Beaufort-County/South-Carolina/Beaufort-County-council-amends-budget-allocations-keeps-overall-millage-strategy-intact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6223204-5c719b03dfb0f58b135ffb0ca2256a3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771184077&Signature=Tr~5ltvTUewGkG4toAlBYs~d3Gcd2px9plxQqOb3qO1RCw7j2k8Gj-ofek1RyVaBbOsj7K243q8sBBepBxiyCHW9FOgGCBRfUJuK1lPN1Sqsp7PH48oHobIen2QPDmb3EfV~I~lf2SnavujRkXy4QxZ7Ga~jgy9Tt5hzi5R2jb9QbUlVeAz~XQqhVpfPbSCy8sa-1TS1zDk9WcCCm3PJW6DBi2V5wkW8qMOAJry7VFhE96UD7-L7bKyvsLjlRDC~uzkVA~zrcDqUD36Tj71u~nVqt3m2g1B~SvQqpUyo5JULoUAEDQdtuzFU7aQWLZ0Mg5jPsIB7cJ6tZLH~Er~Udw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Beaufort County Council proceeded on budget matters at its May 27 meeting, advancing the fiscal year 2025–26 ordinance through first reading while approving a series of amendments that reallocated small outside agency awards and preserved the county’s balanced budget approach.

Council members discussed multiple line‑item changes during a lengthy finance review. Councilman Glover moved an amendment reallocating $173,694 to Island Recreation (reduced from a requested increase), shifting other small amounts to fund Salt and Water Conservation and to increase the county contribution to the Department of Mental Health; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call after debate.

County staff and council emphasized that the overall county budget must remain balanced and that any increases for outside agencies require equal reductions elsewhere. Administrative staff noted the budget remains subject to third reading and additional technical adjustments ahead of final passage.

Context and key items

- County staff said the general fund and CIP documents were available in backup materials and that the budget is being held to millage considerations to avoid unexpected taxpayer increases.
- Several outside agencies requested increases; council approved selective adjustments while seeking to avoid raising the county millage.
- A specific amendment reduced Beaufort County Beautiful’s allocation back to $50,000 (the same as the prior year) and redirected roughly $17,000 of unspent funds to an IT personnel budget line that administration said required a permanent increase.

Quotes and exchanges

Councilor Tabernick stressed the council’s intent to keep the tax rate stable, saying that the county was “trying to keep our budget at the same millage as last year.” County staff also reminded the public that federal and state shortfalls shift pressure to local budgets.

Procedure and next steps

The budget ordinance (including the county’s CIP amendments and ATAX appropriations) completed the meeting’s first‑reading actions and was scheduled for the remaining readings and a public hearing per the council’s standard timetable. Council members noted the budget would be revisited ahead of final adoption to address any outstanding agency requests and technical adjustments.

Ending

Council emphasized a preference for measured, targeted funding changes rather than across‑the‑board increases for outside agencies while seeking to preserve tax neutrality for residents as much as possible.","On May 27 Beaufort County Council continued first‑reading action on the FY2025–26 budget, approved a set of targeted amendments reallocating roughly $18,000 across outside agency grants and keeping the county’s proposals millage‑neutral in key respects.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Beaufort County council approves revised US‑278 bridge plan and funding amendment with SCDOT and SIB

Council refers Pine Island development agreement to Natural Resources Committee and authorizes settlement negotiation in litigation

Council approves purchase of North Widgeon property after amendment to recognize owner’s tax‑deduction request fails

Green Space Committee presents spreadsheet of projects; committee seeks periodic council briefings

Beaufort County council amends budget allocations; keeps overall millage strategy intact