Charleston County sales tax referendum set to fund transportation projects will appear on November ballot

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) — Charleston County councilmembers have passed a transportation sales tax referendum that will appear on November’s general election ballot.

The referendum passed its third reading by a 6-2 vote Tuesday night. If voters pass the tax on November 5, $5.4 billion would be allocated to transportation projects with more than $1.8 billion going toward the extension of the Mark Clark Expressway (I-526).

Charleston County leaders plan to fund projects in Johns and James Islands, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, and West Ashley with the transportation sales tax. The referendum would continue the half-cent sales tax passed in 2004, which is set to expire soon.

Additional improvements to Savannah Highway or Highway 17 between Dobbin and Main Roads are also included on the project list.

Though it’s too soon to officially say, earlier this year, the county estimated the price tag for the Savannah Hwy improvements could be over $160 million if they determine a road widening project is needed.

The county has worked with area municipalities, the South Carolina Department of Transportation, and the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments to discuss what the proposed sales and use tax could finance.

Five public meetings were held before Tuesday night’s vote to hear county residents’ opinions and comments on the proposed projects.

To learn more about the tax click here.