State Budget Highlights for Transportation

This week (March 13-17), the SC House is debating the state’s annual budget. The $13 billion budget includes over $1 billion in recurring revenue and $2 billion in non-recurring (one-time) money.

As they begin debate, which is expected to go long every day through Thursday (the House is on furlough the week of March 21), here are the highlights from the budget that impact transportation, as highlighted by the Ways & Means Committee in their Member Briefing. the numbers below represent additions (or subtractions):

• + $200M to Accelerate Bridge Maintenance
  63% of all SC bridges are in either a state of repair or need replacing. Over 5 years, $1 billion is needed to completely all current needs. These funds will be use first for existing bridges on interstates and primary highways.

• + $250M to CTCs (County Transportation Committees)
  CTCs prioritize state funding for local road projects. These funds will accelerate local projects, with a focus on secondary and low-volume primary roads.

• + $8M for Litter Pick Up
  A new initiative, these funds will allow DOT to contract with litter crews across the state and accelerate litter pick up efforts and keep more roads clear of trash.

• + $50M for Capital Investments in Statewide Airport System
  GSP will receive funds for a new parking garage and a consolidated rental car facility.

• + $35M for Phase 1 Modernization of DMV’s IT System
  While not a “hard cost” of transportation, the DMV is where most regulatory issues for individuals are handled in terms of vehicles. This funding will include a DMV mobile app, mobile driver licenses, and electric vehicle titling and registration.

You can read the full budget overview, as presented to House members, here.

Tune in live all week-long (Mon-Thurs) on the state house website: scstatehouse.gov.