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Mayor calls Transportation Sales Tax critical to Battery extension funding; city will seek alternatives if it fails
Summary
Speakers told an audience the proposed Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax (TST) would cover roughly $2.225 billion of the city's Battery match; the mayor urged voter education and ambassadorship ahead of the referendum.
Moderator Jonah Chester cited a figure for the Transportation Sales Tax (TST), saying it would "cover about $2,225,000,000 of the city's financial obligation for the battery extension." Mayor William Cogswell told attendees the measure is "critical" and framed passage as a regional priority to fund infrastructure, greenbelt and transit programs that rely on the tax.
Cogswell said the TST has funded major projects for 25 years and urged informed residents to become ambassadors for the measure. He said, "If it doesn't [pass], we're gonna have to figure it out, folks," noting the city cannot cover the full local share at once and that alternative funding paths would be needed if voters reject the referendum.
The panel warned competition for federal funds remains stiff and said local matching funds strengthen Charleston’s case for federal construction dollars. Lt. Col. Todd Mannering noted federal construction funding for projects of this type is limited and competitive, and he outlined three ways to be competitive: strong partnerships, ready implementable design, and financial competitiveness.
