Transportation Reform in South Carolina

In a groundbreaking move, South Carolina has passed major transportation reforms that will change how road projects are chosen and money is spent to ensure the best use of limited taxpayer dollars while protecting the state’s natural environment.

The Reforms

The legislation came less than a year after an independent legislative audit found that the SC Department of Transportation wasted millions of dollars and violated multiple state and federal regulations. The audit prompted state leaders to acknowledge the need for major reform at the massive agency. Having battled SCDOT for years over unnecessary, expensive and environmentally damaging highway projects, SELC was ready to respond with a slate of needed reforms. On June 27, 2007, Governor Mark Sanford signed the reform bill into law, which compels SCDOT to:

• Select its projects based on objective analysis of real transportation need rather than political pressures;


• Factor into the selection process the cost, safety, and environmental impacts– including potential impacts to air, water and natural areas;


• Consider less destructive alternatives to new highways and bridges, including community-based options for transit and bike and pedestrian routes, improved signalization and alternatives to single occupant driving;


• Ensure full public participation in major transportation decisions; and


• Develop a long-range transportation plan that looks beyond building more and bigger highways.

SELC will make certain these reforms are faithfully and effectively implemented.