By Warren Bolton
OPINION
Richland County has seen unprecedented improvements to its roads, greenways, bike paths and overall transportation network since voters approved a penny transportation sales tax in 2012.
On Nov. 5, voters are being asked to say “yes” again, this time to keep the 1 percent sales tax to complete improvements still needed to make more roads safer, increase overall quality of life and, perhaps most importantly, ensure The COMET bus system can continue operating and expand service.
The COMET supports residents and the local economy by taking people to work, doctors’ visits, shopping, and more. “If voters don’t approve continuing the sales tax, we have no other way of keeping the buses operating,” said former Columbia Mayor Bob Coble, chair of the Midlands Alliance for Better Transportation and Roads, a diverse group of civic, religious and business leaders, who are leading the Keep Our Penny Campaign.
“By voting ‘yes’ to keep our penny sales tax, voters would be saying yes to a vibrant bus system, yes to making more roads safer and yes to boosting the local economy, creating more jobs and improving the quality of life for all,” Coble said.
If passed, the 2024 penny would raise an estimated $4.5 billion for transportation-related projects over 25 years; the tax would end sooner if the $4.5 billion is generated in less years.
Here is how proceeds from the penny would be distributed:
- 48 percent – projected at $2.16 billion – would pay for Community Investment Projects, including road improvements, widenings, resurfacings, paving of dirt roads, intersection improvements, bikeways, sidewalks,
and other pedestrian-friendly enhancements.
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30 percent – projected at $1.35 billion – would pay for County Advancement Projects, including new construction, improvements and widening for major roadways, intersections and commuting corridors.
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22 percent – projected at $990 million – would pay for continued operations and meaningful, strategic enhancements to The COMET.
The 2024 Penny Program would allot a minimum of $20 million for improvements and investment projects in all 11 Council Districts.
Supporters of the 2024 Transportation Penny Referendum say there are many projects that still need to be funded that would significantly boost growth and development across the county. They point to the fact that, over the past 12 years, Richland County has added 20,000 new jobs and 4,000 new businesses, in part because of the penny.
By voting to keep the current sales tax, county residents would not pay more into the Transportation Penny Program than they do now. Visitors and non-residents who travel within the county will pay about 40 % of the dollars collected for local road and transportation services.
There is a very real need for reliable, sustained funding to ensure the continued success of The COMET and support enhanced bus services throughout Richland County, and, particularly in Blythewood (home of Scout Motors) and Lower Richland. Because of steady funding from the penny program, The COMET has enjoyed steady, enhanced service:
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There are now more than 160 bus shelters for riders. In 2012, there were none.
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Miles traveled on The COMET have increased
41 % , allowing riders to access essential services and destinations.
- 29 new buses have been added.
The 2012 Penny has led to many transportationrelated successes in Richland County:
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More than 120 miles of roads resurfaced.
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More than 500 roadway, pedestrian, bikeway and greenway projects completed.
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More than $13 million in funding to build or enhance greenways.
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More than $23 million in funding for pedestrian improvements, such as sidewalks.
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85 dirt roads across the County paved.
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Several Penny projects have increased safety and reliability for drivers. For example, since improvements at the Farrow and Pisgah roads intersection, there has been a 63 % decrease in traffic accidents (from 2017- 2023). Since improvements at Clemson Road and North Springs Road, there have been 14 % fewer traffic accidents and a 53 % reduction in wait times (from 2017-2023).
If the Nov. 5 referendum passes, Richland County has committed to make completing projects identified by the 2012 Penny Program its highest priority. In the 2024 penny ordinance, transportation-related needs from the 2012 penny will be addressed first, in order from highest need to lowest. The new projects to be funded were chosen through a process that included public input sessions held in all 11 County Council districts.
Penny supporters note that the public’s interest will continue to be represented by the Transportation Penny Advisory Committee, a panel of citizens that monitors the program.
For more details about the 2024 penny projects approved by Richland County, visit www.richlandpenny.com