SCDOT Commission Approves 10-Year Plan Revisions & FY28 Budget

Last week, SCDOT Commissioners approved updates to the state’s 10-year plan and proposed changes to investment levels to accommodate additional state and federal funding for bridges. The state will invest $452 million in bridges in FY27, which includes the $189.5 million allocated by the legislature this year and a $23.5 million federal grant.

One-time budget allocations for bridges over the years have allowed the state to address much-needed repairs and replacements to load-restricted and closed bridges; however, the one-time infusions are not a long-term solution.

The need for a one-time infusion to keep interstate projects on track remains. Costs on interstate projects continue to rise, and updated estimates add $3.5 billion to program costs, which will impact how projects move forward.

Rising costs across the board and stagnant revenue streams continue to pose significant challenges. The state’s next 10-year plan will have to confront deferred maintenance and population growth, and without additional recurring funding, the state will face tough choices.

As always, state dollars remain key to the success of South Carolina’s transportation program, and the agency’s FY27-28 general appropriations requests reflect the need for additional investment.

Commissioners approved a request for $656 million in recurring funds to invest across core programs.

• $250 million for pavements
• $250 million for bridges
• $100 million for safety
• $56 million for routine maintenance (drainage, ditching, mowing)

They also approved the request for $625 million in non-recurring dollars to boost specific programs:

• $500 million is needed to keep critical interstate projects on I-26 and I-95 moving forward as planned.
• An allocation of $100 million to County Transportation Committees (CTCs) for use on state secondary roads would help address these critical routes.
• Finally, doubling the road buyback program funds to $25 million would better support efforts to entice local governments to take on certain state roads.

Next year marks the 10th anniversary of Act 40, and South Carolina has come a long way. However, there is much more work to be done. And, to do that, it will take additional funding.

The SCDOT Modernization bill reformed the agency and provided more tools and flexibility to deliver projects more efficiently; however, these reforms cannot be successful without adequate resources.  

SCFOR supports these budget requests to keep the state’s progress on track, and we look forward to continuing to work with the legislature to determine how to fund these core needs properly.