Funds near for Berkeley projectsU.S. 17A widening expected to save lives By Andy Paras (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
MONCKS CORNER — Berkeley County is close to securing funding for two highly anticipated road projects expected to save lives and bring jobs. The State Infrastructure Bank on Monday tentatively approved a $50.5 million loan that will pay for widening a dangerous 10-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 17A and replacing the Jedburg Road overpass on Interstate 26. 
Brad Nettles Traffic moves along the two-lane stretch of U.S. Highway 17A between Moncks Corner and Summerville on Tuesday. The stretch is considered dangerous and is slated for widening. Last year, the bank promised the county $115.8 million to complete those projects and more, but because the state Legislature probably won't replenish the bank this year, county officials say they will make do with the loan until the bank receives the funding. Of all the projects, U.S. 17A and Jedburg Road were considered the highest priority. Seventeen people have died on U.S. 17A between Summerville and Moncks Corner in the last five years. Authorities say all but two of the deaths, including a 48-year-old Moncks Corner woman who died in a four-car wreck Monday, occurred within the two-lane section between Cypress Gardens Road and Moncks Corner. "There are people being killed every day that road is not widened," county Supervisor Dan Davis said. Gene Sanders on Tuesday agreed with Davis' assessment. Sanders owns Elite Towing, which has an office on U.S. 17A and has towed scores of cars that have wrecked on that stretch, including one of the vehicles in Monday's four-car accident. Sanders said the road has become so congested and dangerous he doesn't mind that the widening will cost him three or four parking spaces in front of his building. He said congestion will only get worse when large subdivisions, such as Cane Bay and Parks of Berkeley, are completed nearby. "It's a necessity," he said of the widening. "They need to hurry up and get it done." The Jedburg Road overpass will benefit about 13 companies that are working together to create a port-driven manufacturing and distribution hub. Officials said the 12 million square feet of manufacturing and distribution space could create more than 18,000 direct and indirect jobs. Officials said the companies have agreed to spend millions out of their own pockets to help pay the loan back. The companies will be reimbursed for at least part of the money when the infrastructure bank is able to meet its promise. Gary Frederick, senior vice president of Hillwood Investment Properties, led by Ross Perot Jr., said the benefit of sharing the costs is simple: "J-O-B-S. Jobs and tax base." Both projects together are expected to cost a little over $64 million. The county already had $14 million in rural grant money for the U.S. 17A right-of-way acquisition. The county plans to pay the infrastructure bank loan back through transportation impact fees, the companies' self-imposed assessment and a yet-to-be-approved capital improvement projects plan. Davis wants to fund the capital improvements fund annually with part of the local option sales tax. By law, the county must use at least 71 percent of that revenue toward property tax credits. County Council adopted a resolution 11 years ago that pledged all local option sales tax money to tax relief. Davis said the tax is generating enough now that residents would get about the same amount of tax relief this year as a year ago, even if the county takes 29 percent. The issue will go before the council later this month when it begins three days of budget workshops. Reach Andy Paras at 745-5891 or aparas@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 20 comment(s)
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 14, 2008 at 2:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Typical factory patent line they always use. And that is "saves lives".
*Yawns*
Posted by Slick50 on May 14, 2008 at 6:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think you are on the right path, Harpo. Widening the road will help with congestion, but it will probably result in more "low flying" vehicles. Enforcement will save more lives than all the paving in the universe.
Posted by zoomru on May 14, 2008 at 6:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ANDY!!!
Time to get out GLENN's CANNON!!! ANdy my boy ..Are you a reporter?? Are YOU?
"Sanders said the road has become so congested and dangerous he doesn't mind that the widening will cost him three or four parking spaces in front of his building." Andy?? Does this joker realize its going to cost US ALL much more than 4 or 5 parking spaces?? Dis you ask him how mad he was that our elected officials aren't IMPLEMENTING an ELEVATED MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM?? Did YOU!!
"He said congestion will only get worse when large subdivisions, such as Cane Bay and Parks of Berkeley, are completed nearby. " ANDY! Did you ask him if he was "HAPPY" about our "VISITING" immigrant problem and that most of the congestion would probably coming from illegals build those homes?? Did YOU???
"The Jedburg Road overpass will benefit about 13 companies that are working together to create a port-driven manufacturing and distribution hub. Officials said the 12 million square feet of manufacturing and distribution space could create more than 18,000 direct and indirect jobs. " WHAT!!! ANDY!! Did you ask ANY of these fine CEO's which campaigns they have given to!! Did you ask any of them if they went to Columbia and met FACE to FACE with the Gov AND DOT officials about MASS TRANSIT?? What?? You didn't think it was relevant? GO BACK TO SCHOOL!!!! BUCKO!
"The issue will go before the council later this month when it begins three days of budget workshops." A WORKSHOP????? Andy is it safe to assume that you are going to be CAMPED out for these big 3 days??? 3 DAYS!? Sounds to me like they have been CAMPING a LOT!! Get a MUG SHOT of all these CATS in the next report on this issue!!
ANDY my boy!! WHERE DO YOU LIVE?? Mt P...DOWNTOWN!!?? HAve you ever been outside this STATE?? DO you want roads like DC, NEW YORK, LA, or SAN Diego?? DO YOU???
THEN I SUGGEST YOU START REPORTING LIKE IT!!! Were YOU BORN and RAISED HERE?? TAKE ALONG WALK AND PONDER!!!
Posted by zoomru on May 14, 2008 at 6:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
TENISHA and YVONNE !!
Grab this guy by the EARS!!! Take him in the GIRLS bathroom and have a heart to heart!! Explain to him that ALL reporters in this STATE are NOW on report and have to GET OFF THE PORCH!!! Can HE BARK!?? And neither one of you comb his poodle curls either!! When you are finished scolding him make sure he takes out the bathroom TRASH and tell him to go to www.startech.net when he gets back to his DESK!!! Before he leaves today you ask him for a written report on how all our LOWCOUNTRY trash's energy could help solve some transportation issues?? Ask to see his next schedule of reporting for the next week and if it doesn't include all lowcountry MAYORS and Council Members then take him back to the BATHROOM and OFFER him some PANTIES!!!
Posted by zoomru on May 14, 2008 at 6:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ANDY!!?? You missed this beat BOY!!
http://www.thestate.com/local
/story/404195.html
"Though no candidates have announced plans to run, speculative candidates for governor include Westminster U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and Attorney General Henry McMaster" WHAT!! God pray for OUR STATE!! We need a LEADER with GUTS to speak the truth!! If I have too ...I'll RUN!!! Don't SMILE! You wouldn't keep up!!!
Posted by zoomru on May 14, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Andy, WHAT!!
http://www.greenvilleonline.com
/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=
/20080513/NEWS03/805130396
THIS DID NOT RUN IN THE POST!!!!!! GRRRRRRRR!!!
"Sen. Mike Fair of Greenville argued a point also made by others, that because implementation of the bill is staggered, legislators have time to fix any problems."
GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME!!!!!!
Posted by Early on May 14, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
zoomru, you need you own website!
Are you listening Charleston County? These folks actually recognize a problem and are going to do something about it?
Posted by zoomru on May 14, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Early...
What gets me most is that a vast majority of South Carolininans share at least 80% commom view points on local and State issues. Stop squabbling and bickering about that 20 and show South Carolinians the IMPLENTATION of the 80! I think past officials have set up so many hoops that todays officials spend all their time figuring out which hoop is next!? What's even more interesting (ALARMING!) is the small amount of comment feedback across all publications in the STATE! Its worth far more than voting every election cycle. At least I think it is? I just wish I had not waited until I was 43 to be so vocal!
Posted by CaptKick on May 14, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
zoomru
You are obviously upset about something. After reading all your rant I am not sure what it is? Maybe he did a better job of reporting than you could have!
Posted by zoomru on May 14, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sometimes I feel like DONALD DUCK...Well...I'm no reporter so he probably did!
BUT!
http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/
may/14/public_must_demand_
government_openness40725/
who is this LANDESS Lady? I think we found OUR next Governor!! She writes better than me ..looks far better..and has a TONE that Might! have a BITE!!
I wonder if she owns a DOG!!!
Posted by ColdBeer on May 14, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They have a live court case on Court TV (now True TV I guess) this week. A psychologist (not a job that I think is a real profession) was describing the "manic" condition. zoomru's post fit that description to a T.
17A needs to be widened and have better traffic control. With a 55 mph speed limit, a lot of trailered boat traffic and a whole bunch of tiny side streets, it's dangerous as hell.
Posted by zoomru on May 14, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great One ColdBEER!!!
AH...let me think.....
23 15 6 37 21 and the PB 42 !!
Share with everyone...!!
Posted by Zod on May 14, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Davis said the tax is generating enough now that residents would get about the same amount of tax relief this year as a year ago, even if the county takes 29 percent."
Did anyone catch the word "about" in his comments? Am I missing something here? Is this yet another increased tax burden from the Davis administration? I believe that if it was ALL his money, he would be saying the percentage to the dollar. It's not his money. So he says we should pay "about" the same amount. I pray that people remember Davis' incompetence on the next election day.
Posted by CountryGirl on May 14, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with ColdBeer....That section of 17A is very dangerous. It seems like there is always someone who just CAN'T WAIT to get where they are going....zooming around everyone, taking chances on curves. Double lanes would be helpful, and let's face it...it's not like it's a SCENIC highway!
Posted by UrGatorbait on May 14, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ahh yep some prozac for zoomie brains first.
Harpo thinks putting a cop on every half mile will solve all the areas problems or turn crappy drivers into good ones. Another big gubmint fan.
That is a very dangerous stretch of road, let your attention lapse once and your in trouble. The widening project should help alleviate the traffic congestion from the continued growth in the area.
Posted by Girleygirl on May 14, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think Hwy 78 needs to be a double lane highway as well since they keep adding new businesses in that area. Ever been caught behind an accident on Hwy 78? It will make you cry!
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 14, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Anyone ever note how many Mexicans work for these road construction companies?
Posted by whome on May 14, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Good one. Illegal immigration doesn't have to be injected into every post.
Posted by rebel1 on May 14, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ber co cops. you've got to be kidding me. what a joke. A laughing stock of the state!!!!!!!!
Posted by luvmydogs59 on May 14, 2008 at 6:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by Girleygirl on May 14, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think Hwy 78 needs to be a double lane highway as well since they keep adding new businesses in that area. Ever been caught behind an accident on Hwy 78? It will make you cry!
Couldn't agree with you more, Girleygirl! My post was going to say that at the minimum, they need to pave 78 from College Park road westward. With all the lumps and bumps, that road is a disaster. Bad enough in a car, but even worse on a motorcycle. Of course, since 78 is a state road, improvements will probably not happen, at least not in the forseeable future.
I've been in 45 of our 50 states...and South Carolina has some of the worst roads I've ever been on. These roads should be taken care of before the population booms anymore!