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October 18, 2024
I established a Traffic Task Force to work on improving the traffic conditions in and around the Sea Pines Circle, as well as the four quadrant roads, as part of the South Island Traffic Circle Improvement Project. This initiative has involved discussions with the Town of Hilton Head Island, representatives from the South Carolina Department of Transportation, our state senator Tom Davis, and other stakeholders.
Here is an update on those discussions:
The Town has engaged an engineering firm to evaluate the traffic conditions and propose solutions for the Sea Pines Circle. No matter which recommendations are adopted, substantial funding will be required to execute them. Our Traffic Task Force is actively working to secure this funding from multiple sources.
One of those sources is Beaufort County’s 2024 Transportation Sales and Use Tax Referendum, which will be on the 2024 General Election ballot in November. This proposed 1% tax is projected to raise $950 million over the next 10 years, to address infrastructure needs through the completion of transportation and mobility projects amidst growth in our region.
If passed, $30 million will be designated for Hilton Head Island municipal projects, including significant intersection improvements at Sea Pines Circle and other nearby corridors.
When considering your support for this vote, here are some points I see to keep in mind:
- Safety: The funds will help implement necessary upgrades and improvements to our county transportation infrastructure.
- Addressing Current Challenges: Our area is experiencing significant growth and facing urgent transportation issues that require immediate action.
- Preventing Property Tax Increases: If the 2024 Transportation Sales and Use Tax Referendum does not pass, the most likely alternative will be an increase in property taxes to support these vital projects.
It’s also important to remember that the proposed sales tax represents a collective financial responsibility. Nearly half of the expected revenue is anticipated to come from tourism and non-residents, helping to lessen the financial burden on Beaufort County residents and property owners.
If approved, a Citizens Led Oversight Committee would be established, and the Transportation Sales and Use Tax would take effect in May 2025, replacing Beaufort County’s current Green Space Sales Tax.
I believe that staying informed is vital for making thoughtful decisions that affect our community. Understanding the details of the tax proposal will empower you to make an educated vote. Official documentation is available to review at www.beaufortcountypenny.com.
Your voice is important.
Sincerely,
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