SC Transportation Secretary says federal infrastructure package will benefit the state

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On Friday, South Carolina’s Secretary of Transportation Christy A. Hall said the federal infrastructure package passed by Congress recently would align well with the state’s infrastructure goals.

Not only would the money from the package help the state to meet its goals to upgrade and improve the state’s road and bridge network as part of the state’s 10-Year plan, but would also provide additional funds to the state for other infrastructure projects, she said.

“The bipartisan infrastructure package will enable SCDOT to boost investment in projects designed to improve safety, mobility, and the quality of life for the residents, businesses, and visitors in the Palmetto state,” Hall said. “In addition, the measure provides much-needed flexibility at the state level, cuts red tape, streamlines project development, and provides a reliable, stable federal funding stream for the next five years.”

The infrastructure bill will provide the state with an estimated $250 million more per year.

SCDOT Commission has already approved utilizing the extra funding, including $100 million to boost regional mobility projects, $69 million to boost bridge projects, $30 million to boost interstate widening projects, $21 million to boost safety projects, $13 million for electric vehicle charging/infrastructure project, and $2 million for the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) to fund improvements to sidewalks and other modal improvements.

Hall said SCDOT would move forward with identifying, ranking, and prioritizing additional projects to fit into the expanded and enhanced programs. However, Hall noted, the additional funds would also require the state to come up with additional matching funds.

“South Carolina will need to dedicate an additional $100-200 Million annually in matching funds in order to ensure that our state does not leave any federal funds due to South Carolina on the table and to effectively leverage the massive discretionary grant opportunities that are now available through USDOT,” Hall said.