The SCDOT Modernization conference committee met briefly this week to sort through the SCDOT Modernization bill (S.831) and was able to reach an agreement rather quickly. Conferees included Senators Larry Grooms (R-Berkeley), Sean Bennett (R-Dorchester), and Overture Walker (D-Richland). As well as Representatives Bruce Bannister (R-Greenville), Gary Brewer (R-Charleston), and Shannon Erickson (R-Beaufort).
Senator Grooms and Rep. Bannister co-chaired the Committee, and outlined provisions included in the compromise agreement, with the most notable changes being in the governance of SCDOT.
Senators agreed to abolish the SCDOT Commission and make the SCDOT a cabinet agency with the Secretary appointed by the Governor. This is arguably the most drastic change included in this bill, and Senator Grooms noted that this restructuring was something the House said was required in order for them to pass.
“This is probably one of the most significant pieces of legislation that we have passed in quite a while,” said Senator Bennett. “Traffic congestion and transportation infrastructure is the single most often cited area of concern from folks in my community, by far. I appreciate the willingness of both bodies to take this seriously and try to put forward something that will move the needle,” he added.
Senator Grooms said that other concepts discussed during the subcommittee process would likely need more work in the future; however, he felt this was “one of the more consequential pieces of legislation passed this year.”
Rep. Bannister said this bill was a quintessential example of how good legislation gets made and everyone should be proud of this bill.
The conference report passed the House by a vote of 112-2 and passed the Senate unanimously. The bill was signed by the Governor on May 18.
SCFOR applauds the work of the SC House and Senate for passage of this legislation and for continuing to make infrastructure a priority. While this bill does not address long-term funding challenges, it does offer practical reforms for better transportation outcomes. This is a step in the right direction as South Carolina works to address a growing list of infrastructure needs.