House ad hoc committee advances SCDOT modernization draft that restructures commission, keeps funding decisions to Ways and Means

A House ad hoc committee on SCDOT modernization on Thursday reviewed a draft that would restructure the state transportation commission, transfer several administrative duties to the governor-appointed secretary and add new procurement tools, while leaving funding decisions to a later Ways and Means process.

Emma, a staff member working with the committee, summarized the draft and told members the proposal no longer removes the commission outright but would reorganize it as a seven-member panel with one representative per congressional district and no at-large seats. "We are looking more at a restructuring," Emma said.

The draft keeps some commission responsibilities, including approval of the Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP) and the project-priority list, while giving the secretary responsibility for the annual budget and the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The proposal also includes a new "spot approval" mechanism for certain turnpike projects, added procurement language permitting Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery, and a provision requiring the Department of Motor Vehicles to prorate registration-related fee changes for electric vehicles so they align with registration periods.

Several members urged attention to funding and local needs. Mr. Kirby thanked Secretary Powell and DOT staff and said the department "needs some more funds because of the growth," urging that the need for additional resources be acknowledged even if Ways and Means will handle finance details. Other members asked for clarity on whether County Transportation Committees (CTCs) could receive additional administrative support, how much unencumbered CTC money exists, and whether any CTC restrictions should be loosened to allow use of funds for personnel or per-diem; staff said existing statute currently disallows per diem or salaries and they would investigate further.

The draft removes congestion mitigation (impact) fees and concurrency language, an omission that drew concern from members who argued those fees and tools help local governments manage development impacts and fund congestion relief. Representative Long and others said removing mitigation fees risks leaving localities without revenue for road mitigation tied to new development; committee leaders said the mitigation and impact-fee statutes are being addressed separately in a standalone update with stakeholders.

Members also debated whether to retain the commission at all. Supporters of removal said consolidating authority with the secretary would speed DOT decision-making; supporters of a restructured commission said local, regional representation gives legislators and citizens a point of contact. "We tried to hit the largest consensus," the chair said, describing the package as the product that could gather the most agreement among the committee.

No formal vote on final bill language occurred. The chair said members should receive the draft bill in email the following day, and the ad hoc committee will issue a report and the measure will move to the floor and to Ways and Means for funding deliberations. "Please read it, come and remember that this is ad hoc; this is not a full working committee," the chair said. "We have had about nine months of discussions and hearings on this bill, so we're going to need to move a product forward."