Mark it on your calendars folks, an increase in gas tax over all of South Carolina goes into effect on July 1. But, with fixing roads in mind, it’ll take a bit longer to see some noticeable changes and here’s why.
🚗 Design. It doesn’t have to be pretty but it needs to work. Designing roads takes time, requiring multiple steps including environmental permits, public opinion and logistical measures.
🚗 Safety. The state’s number one priority on fixing roads is trying to keep you safe. The state is dedicating $50 million a year to fixing rural roads (back roads + interstates + highways). Updates will include guard rails, cable barriers, cleaning ditches, signs and rumble strips.
🚗 Workforce. For a bit too long, engineers and contractors (the backbone in this whole equation) have taken their business elsewhere to states actively looking to improve their roads. Now, that the state is planning to improve roads, contractors are ramping up locally.
🚗 2 cent raise. The first gas tax increase is only 2 cents, bringing it to a grand total of 16.75 + 2 = 18.75 cents. This 2 cent raise will be the first of 6 annual tax increases. Drawing out the tax increase will help the state keep construction costs low + get the most bang for their buck.
