Council approves joint resolution with Town of Hilton Head to realign William Hilton Parkway (US 278) project and allocate PSD relocation and Stony-area funds

Beaufort County Council voted to approve a joint resolution with the Town of Hilton Head that narrows the scope of the William Hilton Parkway (US 278) Gateway Corridor project to fit available funding and that identifies local funding responsibilities for utility relocation and neighborhood improvements.

County staff and town staff presented an amended joint resolution developed after a recent joint council workshop. Councilman Cunningham moved the resolution and Vice Chair Tabernick seconded the motion; council approved it by show of hands.

Key points discussed in the meeting packet and presentation: - Project scope: The revised plan focuses on replacing a single structurally deficient span and constructing a new eastbound structure built to accommodate three lanes (striped for two lanes initially) with design width enabling temporary four-lane use if needed in the future. The project ends in the vicinity of Windmill Harbor signal and will require detailed design and engineering for tapering and tie-ins. - PSD relocation funds and contingency: The packet describes combined funding of approximately $15,500,000 for PSD relocation—composed of an estimated $9,000,000 in state funds (state Act/section referenced in packet) plus $6,500,000 of local funds calculated in the joint agreement. Council asked how overruns beyond that combined sum would be covered; staff said overruns would be allocated from county reserve funds. - Stony neighborhood allocation: The resolution sets aside $5,000,000 in local funds for safety and infrastructure improvements in the Stony area (described in the packet as work to improve sidewalks, vehicular and pedestrian safety between Crazy Crab and Spanish Wells, and related pedestrian/vehicular improvements). The Town of Hilton Head will administer the Stony-area project and use the funds for local improvements. - Access and land-use changes: The plan would change local access patterns in places such as Jenkins Island Road and Pinckney Island (federal land access was discussed); staff described proposed tie-ins and an access route that would maintain boat landing and ferry destination access though the off-ramp configuration would differ from current geometry.

Council members repeatedly urged moving the project forward after years of study. Councilman Lawson and others said delays carried risk as construction costs rise. Council members sought clarification that $80 million of referendum money would be used only for the specific replacement span (as defined in the packet) and that other corridor work would rely on impact fees and local funds; staff confirmed that designation was spelled out in the resolution to reduce legal or grant challenges.

Staff described the county as the lead for the bridge project, with DOT as construction partner, and confirmed the $5,000,000 Stony allocation would be administered by the Town of Hilton Head for local improvements. Council voted to approve the joint resolution as amended and asked staff to produce a public summary for tonight’s meeting so the broader public would understand the plan and funding commitments.