Infrastructure Bank declines York County request; gives 60–90 days to seek alternate path

The South Carolina Infrastructure Bank board voted to disapprove a May request from York County asking the bank to transfer funds from the Exit 90 project to Exit 82 and to allow the county to retain the balance of a prior commitment for Exit 90.

Chair John White said the county’s May letter proposed moving funds from one interchange project to another. “When these projects were brought to us, they were referred to as shovel ready. That gives us some concern,” White said, adding the board had concerns about cost overages and the proper path forward under existing intergovernmental agreements.

The board offered York County 60 to 90 days to continue discussions with bank staff, county officials and county counsel to identify a solution consistent with the IGAs the bank has with the county. A motion to disapprove the county’s request was made and seconded; the chair announced the motion carried after a voice vote with one recorded abstention by Chairman T.J. Johnson.

Board members noted the governor’s proposed budget included $2 million for a study of Exit 90 and that bank staff had been in communication with county officials. The board did not amend or terminate the IGAs during the meeting and said it remains bound by the current contract scopes while seeking a compliant path forward.

The board asked staff to pursue deeper discussions outside the public meeting with York County’s representatives and to report back within the 60–90 day window.