SCDOT Commissioners approved funding allocations and project lists for the state’s 2024 bridge program at the Commission’s July 18 meeting. Rob Perry, Deputy Secretary for Engineering, provided an overview of how bridges are rated and trends in the number of load-restricted and closed bridges across the state. (Following a statewide load rating assessment, the Commission last adopted changes to the bridge program in December 2021.)

A total of $439 million will be invested in the state’s bridge program in FY24-25.  This includes the one-time budget allocation of $200 million from the Legislature. In addition, SCDOT will continue to seek discretionary grants for bridges.

The additional budget dollars are a timely investment for the program, given the need to double the investment to address a growing number of aging structures. With over 2,400 bridges over the age of 60, at the current repair rate (50 bridges per year), that number is expected to increase to 3,900 over the next decade.

The 2024 program project lists include carryforwards for previously approved projects as well as new projects on interstates/primaries and secondary routes. Links to the project lists by category are below:

• Mega Bridge List
• Interstate Primary List: The ranked deficient interstate and primary route bridge list includes 20 additional bridges. 
• Secondary List: The newly ranked deficient secondary bridge list includes 100 additional bridges. 

Click here to view the interactive map of the 2024 bridge program. 

Through engineering directives and ongoing evaluations, the state is working to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to tackling repairs and improvements on our rapidly aging network.  The additional $200 million one-time allocations from the Legislature in the FY24-25 budget will undoubtedly provide a necessary boost to addressing these critical structures. 

Public comments on the bridge program will be accepted through August 8. Click here to learn more.

View Deputy Secretary Perry’s Bridge Presentation as presented to the SCDOT Commission on July 18. 

The House and Senate returned to Columbia this week to take up conference reports and the FY24-25 budget. This year’s budget is the result of a compromise that puts dollars to work for the people of SC through tax relief and makes key investments in core government functions – including our roads and bridges.

Specifically, the budget includes approximately $564 million in one-time allocations to the SCDOT and County Transportation Committees (CTCs). It also maintains the $120 million recurring allocation (established in FY22-23) to match IIJA funding.

Homestead Exemption (HEX) Funds significantly influenced this year’s budget. HEX Funds not only funded a large portion of the transportation infrastructure investments but were also used to accelerate income tax cuts and invest in rural infrastructure, including water/sewer.

The budget was passed by the House by a vote of 96-13 and by the Senate unanimously, 41-0.

The budget now heads to Governor McMaster, who has line-item veto authority. Any line-item vetoes issued could be addressed in the fall or when legislators return to Columbia in January to begin the 2025 session.

SCFOR applauds the work of the House and Senate and appreciates their ongoing commitment to improving our transportation infrastructure. We encourage you to reach out to your House and Senate members to thank them.

House & Senate Races

Every member of the House and Senate is up for election this year. We have compiled an interactive tracking list that we will update through the 2024 election season. We encourage you to follow the races with us!

View our coverage of the June 11 Primary Elections

View our coverage of the June 25 Primary Run-offs

Local Referendums

Counties looking to renew a local option sales tax program (solely for transportation infrastructure) on the November 2024 ballot include Charleston, Horry, Richland, and York. Counties seeking voter approval of a new program include Anderson, Beaufort, Greenville, Jasper, and Lancaster.

Learn more about filings for all state/local races by visiting the SC Election Commission website here. 

https://scfor.org/2024/04/04/2024-election-tracking/