COLUMBIA, S.C. — More than $300 million dollars of roads improvements are headed to South Carolina, as part of the new state budget, which went into effect July 1.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation will get $117 million to fix rural roads, while $200 million will be set aside for counties to apply for grants to pay for local roads projects.
Many Columbia residents say roads improvements are much needed. Mary Dunn lives off Whaley Street and says there's some problem areas there.
"Theres a railroad track right there and if you go like a little too fast over it, you might lose the hubcap," says Dunn. "I think the roads could use some fixing."
The potholes around some areas of Columbia make it difficult to get around quickly, says Tyler Westall.
"I drive on garners ferry a lot and they just recently had to redo it because it was just absolutely terrible so I’m really glad that got done," said Westall.
The money comes from a $600 million budget surplus generated by sales taxes. The budget also
In addition to fixing potholes, money can also be used to pave rural dirt roads. There are many rural roads in Sumter County that have been neglected, says Sumter County Councilman Carlton Washington.
“Roads are transformational in rural areas." Washington says. "If your roads system is not good, it’s not gonna attract businesses, it’s not going to attract young people who have children who would attend public schools ,which increases your tax base and appreciates your property values.”
News 19 reached out to the South Carolina Department of Transportation. The Department couldn't say specifically what the money might be used for. Director of Public Engagement Kelly Moore said in a statement that the Department will "use this funding to continue to push forward the transportation priorities of South Carolina," and that they expect additional discussion at their SCDOT Commission meeting next week.