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Commissioners report widespread flood damage to county roads; discuss state bill that could tie CCMG grants to a wheel tax
Summary
Commissioners and highway staff reported multiple washouts and submerged bridges after recent flooding and discussed concern about a state bill that would link Community Crossings matching grants to a wheel tax or other tax changes.
Jefferson County commissioners on Feb. 20 were briefed on widespread flooding that has caused road washouts and submerged bridges and discussed potential funding impacts from a state bill that would condition Community Crossings matching grants on a wheel tax or similar change.
The county's highway-related speaker described multiple washouts across gravel roads and said freezing conditions have delayed repairs. The speaker reported that the Saluda Bottom and the Brooksburg area were flooded and that water levels at several bridges remained high; Upper Dry Fork near Conley Hill Road was "within a couple of feet of going over the bridge," according to the transcript.
The same speaker raised concern about legislation at the state level. The transcript shows the speaker mentioned a House bill discussed by commissioners that he understood could link the Community Crossings matching-grant program to a wheel tax; he referenced bill numbers verbally and inconsistently, saying first "$14.61 maybe" and later mentioning "1628" as possibilities. The speaker urged caution and said commissioners should let state representatives know that tying the grant to such a tax is "not an option we really wanna consider unless in the end we have no other option." He asked to be contacted by email so the board could coordinate a response.
No county action or vote was taken on the state bill at the meeting; the matter was discussed as an item for potential outreach to state legislators. Commissioners also noted cleanup of washouts would proceed when thawing permits access and when rock deliveries and equipment could reach damaged locations.
The highway speaker also flagged the practical challenge that frozen roads have limited immediate repair work and said staff hope to begin repairs the following Monday when conditions improve.
