1. 1. Provide a recommendation on any modification to the Penny-funded transportation project list not consistent with the generic description of the project(s) (such as the addition of new projects not currently on the projects list, etc.). Any modification to the project list consistent with the generic description of the project(s) shall not require a recommendation by the TPAC. An example might be minor revisions to a project on the projects list that do not impact the overall scope of the project.
   2. Recommend any reordering of the project list priorities, if applicable.
   3. Provide quarterly reports to each respective jurisdiction from which Committee members are appointed.
   4. Review the proposed Scope of Services for the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Program Management Team and make recommendations as needed.
   5. Make recommendations for a financial review of the Transportation Penny as needed. (There will be an annual financial audit.)
   6. Make recommendations to the Board of Directors of Central Midlands Transit (aka The COMET), and to any other governing body with regard to the Transportation Penny.
   7. Assist the County in reviewing transportation needs and developing principles by which the County would undertake those needs.
   8. Serve as the body through which municipalities of the County would provide input for consideration on transportation needs and the principles by which the County would undertake those needs.
   9. Leverage the committee’s knowledge and experience with the County’s transportation needs in determining whether to submit a referendum question to the qualified County electors regarding a Proposed Sales and Use Tax.
   10. Perform all other additional duties as assigned by Richland County Council.

    

   The TPAC regards its role as representing the interests of County residents who use and/or finance various modes of transportation the County provides. These residents reasonably expect that transportation improvements financed by the one-cent County sales tax and related bonds will be effective, efficient and equitable. The TPAC, therefore, acts as an agent of and voice for these public expectations and brings diverse perspectives to its interactions with County Council, the Transportation director, and the Columbia Transit Authority. Within its limitations as a volunteer advisory committee, the TPAC carries out its role by selectively reviewing information on transportation improvements, reviewing and commenting on plans, seeking clarifications, raising questions, and making suggestions. It serves as a link between the public interest and County officials responsible for conceiving, organizing, managing, implementing, auditing and evaluating Penny-financed transportation improvements.

The powers and duties of the TPAC were most recently amended and expanded by a resolution from the County Council in March 2024. Read the resolution here: 2024 Richland County TPAC Resolution