The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) Modernization Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Representatives Heather Crawford (R-Horry) and Shannon Erickson (R-Beaufort), held a meeting in Myrtle Beach on September 23. This meeting provided an opportunity to hear from the SC Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT), SCDOT, and for members of the public to provide testimony.
Tourism and the Transportation Connection
Duane Parrish, Director of PRT, emphasized the central role of tourism in South Carolina’s economy. Tourism is a major industry for South Carolina, with a $30 billion economic impact, generating $1.8 billion in state and local taxes annually. Moreover, tourism relies on roads. Of all visitors coming to South Carolina, 89% travel here by car. Over two-thirds of the state’s annual visitors are from neighboring states within a 350-mile radius.
Local Business and Infrastructure Needs
Jimmy Gray, President of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of reliable infrastructure for both residents and visitors. He noted that permitting reforms and greater efficiency could accelerate critical projects, and when it comes to resources, local funding remains essential to meeting needs. He highlighted the $6 billion RIDE program (the largest local transportation referendum in South Carolina history) which voters approved in 2024 to support ongoing infrastructure improvements across Horry County.
Calls for Statewide Support of Local Programs
Horry County administrators stressed the importance of local revenues for infrastructure improvements. Assistant County Administrator David Gilreath highlighted the success of the RIDE program, noting that it also supports state-owned roads. He proposed that the legislature establish a statewide matching program, arguing it would incentivize local governments to increase infrastructure investments while delivering benefits across South Carolina.
County Administrator Barry Spivey echoed these points, calling for stronger backing for urban and rural projects funded through Councils of Governments (COGs) and County Transportation Committees (CTCs). He cautioned that while local leaders are doing all they can to keep up with growth, existing funding is insufficient to maintain current roads, much less build new ones. Long-term planning, he said, is critical to keeping up with demand.
Advocacy for Multimodal Transportation
Several representatives from advocacy groups pressed the committee to prioritize bike and pedestrian improvements and adopt complete street policies. Expanding mass transit also drew support, with speakers stressing the need for reliable services to connect residents to jobs, healthcare, and other essential services.
Next Steps
The Myrtle Beach hearing was the third in a series of statewide meetings the SCDOT Modernization Committee is holding to gather input from stakeholders and the public. Over the coming month, additional hearings will take place in other communities as lawmakers continue exploring ways to strengthen transportation infrastructure and improve SCDOT operations.
