Roadwork costs go up even as sales tax rolls in
ST. GEORGE — A penny just doesn't buy what it used to.
So, as Dorchester County gets ready to issue the final $57 million of $125 million in bonds to pay for 22 road projects voters approved in 2004, its leaders continue to scramble to find other funding and lobby for more federal stimulus money.
Despite the bad economy, revenue is coming in on track from the 1-cent sales tax enacted to pay for the bonds. The problem is the escalating cost of roadwork.
"Our collections have come in over expenditures," County Administrator Jason Ward said. But it just isn't enough.
"We didn't know inflation was going to jump so high," said Wallace Ackerman, vice chairman of the county's Penny Sales Tax Transportation Authority.
The work originally was estimated at $165 million to complete, but the cost of asphalt alone has at least doubled since work started. Meanwhile, other revenue sources expected to pay the difference have dried up.
For example, $213 million that was promised by the state infrastructure bank in 2007 for county road projects, "as soon as it becomes available," isn't going to become available anytime soon from the revenue-strapped state Legislature.
Federal stimulus funds have been the best source uncovered so far to make up for that revenue — nearly $15 million to complete the Berlin G. Myers Parkway and $4 million for widening work on U.S. Highway 78.
"I'm optimistic" about winning more stimulus money, said Jamie Feltner, County Council chairman. "We really didn't have any choice in the matter (about pursuing it), but it's probably something we should have been doing all along, going after federal funds aggressively."
County Council gave initial approval Monday to the $57 million bond issue.
The parkway may be the highest-profile project on the list. Among the others are widening Dorchester Road from the Oakbrook area to U.S. 17A, and widening U.S. 78 from Summerville to St. George.
Maybe the most controversial project is a proposed widening of Bacons Bridge Road between the parkway and Ashley River Road. The work would take everything from trees to houses from some 180 property owners along the suburban, largely residential two-lane. Construction was supposed to start in 2008. But, with revenue concerns, the transportation authority is now taking a hard look at the project.
"If we start running short of money, which is a strong possibility, we'll probably back off on Bacons Bridge," Ackerman said.
Reach Bo Petersen at 937-5744 or bpetersen@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
ForPnC (anonymous) says...
Gravel on top of tar is NOT fixing the roads. If this is your idea of road improvement then get into your wives purses, pull them out so you have a pair between all of you and remember how to ACTUALLY do your jobs.
June 16, 2009 at 6:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinadude (anonymous) says...
Elected officials can never understand why citizens do not trust government! As you folks probably recall, when campaigning for the penny sales tax, the Dorchester/Summerville Chamber of Commerce and county councilmen obtained a letter from the Speaker Harrell that matching funds would be forthcoming! The rest is history! No matching funds, these councilmen and lawmakers are still in office, and Harrell is still Speaker of the House!! It never ends! LOL
Throw the bums out in 2010!!!!
June 16, 2009 at 6:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tides (anonymous) says...
Truluck Const. does a lot of road work in SC. Ever noticed they have Mexicans working for them? Someone needs to check to besure they are legal aliens! If a contractor hires anyone who is in the USA ILLEGALLY, you think that contractor/business is trustworthy? Now that's a no brainer!
June 16, 2009 at 6:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
What "Tides" you mean this isn't creating jobs for SC citizens as campained, and as ole Joe said!? Well all this means is there will be a 2 cent sales tax coming soon, like 2010!?
I AGREE VOTE THEN ALL OUT OF OFFICE AND START OVER.
June 16, 2009 at 6:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mb300sl (anonymous) says...
I wonder if the availability of the "porkulus" money has encouraged construction companies to charge more? When will people learn that government will accomplish nothing when it tries to be everything to everybody? All praise the Obamessiah!
June 16, 2009 at 7:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
realamerican (anonymous) says...
Posted by mb300sl
All praise the Obamessiah!
----------------------------------------------------------
retard
June 16, 2009 at 7:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Prices of asphalt products rose like crazy last year as the oil speculators sucked the cash out of the economy. With prices down from then, most asphalt products have remained high, getting their share of the spoils. One cent is not enough. Like the education business, the only amount sufficient to government is all of it. Then they can allocate the average out to us while threatening to cut back on us if we do not increase productivity. Wait a sec...they do that now almost.
June 16, 2009 at 7:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mb300sl (anonymous) says...
realamerican: Calm down...we don't want you to have a stroke...wait until the Obamessiah reshapes medical care so you will have a better chance of survival...Have a nice day!
June 16, 2009 at 9:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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