County presents past TST results, seeks James Island input on future transportation sales tax

Sheila Harper, a construction project manager with Charleston County, told the Rethink Folly Road steering committee that the county is at a decision point about whether to propose another 0.5¢ transportation sales tax and is collecting public input to shape priorities. "Every Voice helps," Harper said as she described a transparent, countywide outreach process and a QR code for residents to submit feedback.

Harper summarized results from earlier TST programs, saying the county previously collected about $3,400,000,000 in sales-tax revenue and leveraged roughly $1,200,000,000 in additional state and federal matching funds, for a total investment she described as more than $4,500,000,000 in transportation and related infrastructure. She listed typical investment categories — roadway resurfacing and intersection improvements, public transit support including vehicles and shelters, greenbelt acquisitions, and bike-and-pedestrian facilities — and said the county will use input gathered now to help draft a referendum early next year. "By early next year, the committee will utilize feedback and begin drafting a referendum," Harper said.

The presentation stressed continued population growth as a driver for further investment: Harper said Charleston County population has increased by over 43 percent (roughly 100,000 people) in the last 20 years and that, without additional investment, congestion and commute times are likely to worsen. She and other presenters also noted that past TST revenues enabled the county to compete more successfully for federal and state grants that required local matching funds.