Community Meetings Highlight Progress of the Penny Program

Richland County voters have chosen to extend the County’s 1 percent special sales and use tax, first imposed in 2012, which will continue to fund transportation infrastructure improvements throughout Richland County.

With the current Transportation Penny expected to reach its maximum revenue of $1.07 billion in late 2026, County Council authorized a referendum that, if passed during the 2024 general election, would continue the collection of Penny funds for 25 years or until a maximum revenue of $4.5 billion is collected, whichever comes first.

“My colleagues and I recognized the need for future transportation infrastructure funding for our growing County and unanimously approved presenting voters with the 2024 Penny Referendum for consideration,” said Richland County Council Chair Jesica Mackey. “We are grateful Richland County residents agree with this solution for future funding and support the continuation of the Penny to fund our roads and The COMET.”

The 2024 Transportation Penny will serve as an extension of the 2012 Penny rather than an additional tax. The $4.5 billion generated will benefit community investment (48 percent), County advancement (30 percent), and COMET enhancement projects (22 percent).

What’s Next?

The successful vote means Richland County will be able to move forward with projects identified in the transportation needs assessment conducted earlier this year. The needs assessment list can be viewed here.

Passed in 2012, the Richland County Transportation Penny Tax program funds road improvements, sidewalks, greenways, and The COMET public transit system utilizing a 1 percent sales tax.

Following extensive public input on future transportation and infrastructure needs, Richland County Council voted to place the continuation of the Penny program on the 2024 General Election ballot. The 2024 Penny Referendum will ask voters to decide whether to extend the Penny program once the current 2012 Penny is fully collected, expected in 2026.

The proposed extension is projected to generate a maximum of $4.5 billion over the next 25 years, or until the maximum revenue is reached, whichever comes first, and will fund Community Investment (48 percent), County Advancement (30 percent), and COMET Enhancement (22 percent)—all without increasing taxes.

A number of information resources have been developed to educate and enlighten the public on the purpose, planning and impact of the funding that would be derived from continuing the County’s 1 percent Penny sales tax. (Access these resources with the links below.)

Richland County encourages all residents, organizations and businesses to use and share these resources to stay informed ahead of the 2024 General Election. County Council highly values community input and invites feedback or inquiries about all aspects of the Transportation Penny program.

The next time you go to Richland County’s Transportation Penny website, you will notice a new tab labeled “2024 Penny Referendum.” Click that button, and you’ll find a just-added webpage devoted to bringing you the most recent information on the new referendum that will appear on the November ballot.

This new online resource provides a snapshot of improvements your current Transportation Penny investment has funded, along with things you should know about the upcoming referendum. A video presentation on the County’s “Roadmap to the Future” explains the research, needs assessments and public hearings that informed County Council’s unanimous July 2024 vote to approve the referendum. If approved, this measure would continue the 1 percent sales tax and sustain Penny program improvements beyond 2026, when current Penny funding ends. A brochure with key content from the video can be read online or downloaded.

Additional features are still being added to the new webpage. These include a copy of the 2024 Penny ordinance and guiding principles as approved by Council, a fillable form to request one of our speakers to attend and present on the Transportation Penny program to your group or organization, and answers to some frequently asked questions about the program.

Keeping you current and providing full transparency on the management, planned improvements and progress of the Penny program are the aims of this webpage. We invite you to take a few minutes and explore a new source for information on Richland County’s continued investment and advancement.

Visit the new page HERE.

Transportation improvements are crucial for a thriving community, and in Richland County, significant strides are being made to ensure every resident can travel safely and comfortably. Thanks to your Transportation Penny funding, a range of projects are being designed and implemented to enhance accessibility for individuals with mobility, cognitive and sensory impairments. These enhancements not only improve connectivity but also foster greater independence and inclusion within our community.

Key Features of Accessible Transportation Design

1. Sidewalks

Sidewalks are fundamental to creating a connected and accessible environment. For residents who have mobility challenges or prefer not to drive, well-designed sidewalks are essential. They provide a safe pathway for pedestrians, ensuring individuals with disabilities can navigate their neighborhoods and access public spaces with ease.

2. Curb Ramps

Curb ramps are a critical feature for those using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers or other mobility aids. Without proper curb ramps, crossing streets can be both difficult and hazardous. In compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all pedestrian crossings must include curb ramps that meet specific standards for width, slope and placement. These ramps facilitate smooth transitions from sidewalks to streets, ensuring safe and convenient access to public transportation and other essential services.

3. Detectable Warning Pavers

Detectable warning pavers are specially designed tiles placed at crosswalks to assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired. These tiles typically have a contrasting color, such as bright yellow, to signal the beginning or end of a crosswalk. The tactile surface of the pavers helps alert individuals to potential hazards and aids in navigating crosswalks more safely.

4. Crosswalk Enhancements

To improve safety at intersections, crosswalk enhancements are crucial. These include well-defined curbs and ramps, smooth and hazard-free paving, and clearly marked crosswalk paths with high-contrast markings. Such features make it easier for all pedestrians, including those with disabilities, to navigate intersections safely and confidently.

5. Bus Shelters

Adding more bus shelters throughout Richland County contributes to a more accessible transit experience. ADA-compliant bus shelters are designed with level floors or ground space, benches with back support, and easy access to boarding and alighting areas. These design elements ensure that waiting for and boarding the bus is a comfortable experience for all passengers, including those with disabilities.

6. DART – Dial-a-Ride Transit Service

For residents who cannot access standard bus services because of ADA-certified disabilities, the DART service provides a vital alternative. Part of The COMET transit system, DART offers door-to-door transportation, with buses equipped with wheelchair lifts. These buses can accommodate up to four wheelchairs, ensuring individuals with mobility challenges can travel conveniently and safely.

The Importance of Accessible Design

Incorporating ADA enhancements into transportation projects ensures compliance with legal requirements while fostering inclusivity. These designs address the needs of individuals with disabilities, promoting equal access and participation in community life. By prioritizing accessibility, Richland County is creating a more equitable environment where all residents can navigate public spaces and transportation systems with ease and independence.

Here are some locations that have utilized ADA enhancements:

SIDEWALKS
Rabbit Run Connector Project
Connecting Lower Richland High to Garners Park Road.

CURB RAMPS
Bull Street and Elmwood Intersection Project

CROSSWALK ENHANCEMENT
North Main Street Widening Project

DETECTABLE WARNING PAVERS
Green Street Improvements Project, Phase 2

BUS SHELTERS
Lucius Road Superstop

At a special called meeting Tuesday, July 9, Richland County Council provided a forum for residents to give their input on a newly proposed Transportation Sales Tax referendum.

Residents from across the County arrived early to sign in and take a seat in Council Chambers, which eventually filled to capacity. More than 25 residents signed up to speak during the public hearing, with an additional four emailed comments read aloud for the record.

The comments ranged from praise for work completed through the current Transportation Penny program and support for the new referendum, to disappointment about how the program was implemented in 2012, to suggestions on better ways to manage project equity across County districts.

A majority of residents voiced their support for a new referendum to continue the positive impacts on transportation, safety, accessibility, economic growth and quality of life the Penny has made possible.

The public hearing came in advance of County Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, July 16. During this meeting, Council will give the referendum a third and final reading and vote on whether it will appear on the ballot in the November elections.

Stay informed. All Council meetings are streamed live on Richland County’s YouTube Channel.

Blythewood Road Widening
The project was paused for about two months to allow AT&T to relocate fiber lines in order for storm drain work to be completed, which had to occur before the road could be paved. AT&T has finished the majority of this work. Transportation contractors were able to return to work about two weeks ago.

Sunset Drive Sidewalk Construction
The original closure was scheduled for May 28, 2024, through Nov. 28, 2024. The contractor did not want to leave the roadway closed for such a long period, however, so intermediate closures were implemented. Sunset Drive is currently closed and will be opened on July 15, 2024, for a period of 30 days. After that period, the road will be closed for an undisclosed amount of time.

Alpine Road Resurfacing and Sidewalk Improvement
Construction is on schedule and currently at 65 percent completion. Resurfacing and paving should begin in late July 2024 and is expected to be completed in September or October 2024.

Atlas Road Widening
Transportation will make a recommendation for awarding the Atlas Road Widening Project, Phase 1A, to County Council at its regular August meeting. The bid totaled $8,612,274, or $2,052,449 less than the engineer’s estimate of $10,664,723. Staff anticipates construction to start in September.

Smith-Rocky Branch Greenway
Plans for this project are at 95 percent completion and are free and clear as far as Norfolk Southern (NS) is concerned. The last round of reviews by NS (last month) noted a few minor modifications to the design, all of which have been incorporated in the 95 percent-completed plans.

Dirt Road Paving Program

• Sara Matthews Road is under construction. Installed drainage box and ditches. Project is 30 percent complete. No paving date confirmed at this time.
• Howard Coogler Road is under construction with clearing and grubbing done. Project is 10 percent complete. No paving date confirmed at this time.
• Jackson/Nathan Ridge Lane is under construction with clearing and grubbing, ditch installation, roadway base and driveways installed. The project is 80 percent complete. Paving is projected to start within 30 days, pending weather.

7/10/24

Richland County Council and the County’s Department of Transportation held a celebratory ribbon cutting on May 29 to mark the completion of enhancements to the intersection of Bull Street and Elmwood Avenue, a major Transportation Penny project.

The scope of this $5.2 million project included resurfacing and restriping roads, improving drainage, upgrading traffic signals, and improving pedestrian crossings. The upgrades will improve traffic flow, reduce traffic signal wait times, and improve safety for drivers and pedestrians. The improvements to this main thoroughfare also will support growth of businesses in the Bull Street District.

Council Chair Jesica Mackey (District 9), Councilman Paul Livingston (District 4), and Mike Maloney, the County’s Director of Transportation provided remarks about the intersection project and the Penny Program’s impact in communities throughout Richland County.

City of Columbia Mayor also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of the Transportation Penny in improving infrastructure, growing economic development and enhancing quality of life for people throughout the county.

Watch a video recap of the event HERE.

PROJECTS IN CONSTRUCTION

Blythewood Road Widening
The project started construction in April of 2023. Completion will occur in July of 2025.

Sunset Drive Sidewalk Construction
The project construction started in May of 2024. Completion will occur in February of 2025.

Dirt Road Package O Construction
The project consists of improving Nathan Ridge Lane, Jackson Road, Sara Mathews Road and Howard Coogler Road.

Alpine Road Resurfacing and Sidewalk Improvement
The project construction started in February of 2024. Completion will occur in August of 2024.

PROJECTS READY FOR CONSTRUCTION

Atlas Road Widening
Utility Relocation solicited for construction bids starting May 27, 2024.
•The scope includes the intersection of Garners Ferry Road to the intersection of Shop Road.
•We will release the road construction plans for construction bidding in about six months.
•This section of the widening is from two land to five lanes with bike lanes and sidewalks.
•County Council has approved widening Atlas Road from two lanes to three lanes, from Shop Road to the intersection of Bluff Road. This project will be prepared for final plans and SCDOT approval for release to construction within one year.

Percival Road Sidewalk Construction
This project is at County Procurement for solicitation of bids.
•The project extends new sidewalk from Decker Boulevard to Forest Drive along the north side of Percival Road.

Resurfacing Package U Construction
The project consists of over $6 million in improvements.

PROJECTS IN RIGHT-OF-WAY ACQUISITION

Broad River Road Widening
The ROW acquisition is underway. All the property owners have been in communication with the project team. Twenty parcel owners committed small pieces of property to the needs of the public project. Others are in negotiation.

Pineview Road Widening
The ROW acquisition in underway. All the property owners have received information regarding the project. This project began acquisition in April.

Crane Creek Greenway
We contacted the property owner on this project regarding the easement required for the trail.

Smith-Rocky Branch Greenway
The property owners have received information on the project easement needs and will receive offers within the next two months.

Dirt Road Paving Program
Several County Roads, with emphasis on Council District 10, are receiving consent/denial checks, appraisals, and ROW contact meetings with our staff augmentation and on-call engineering team.

Richland County residents are invited to share comments about the proposed Transportation Penny Referendum during a public hearing at County Council’s July 9 meeting. The referendum must pass three readings before it can be included on the November General Election ballot. A third reading is scheduled for July 16.

In October 2023, Council approved a resolution authorizing County staff to prepare for a Transportation Sales Tax referendum. Council passed a first reading of the referendum on April 9 and a second reading on May 14.

The projected revenue from a potential new Penny collected over 25 years or until the maximum revenue is received, whichever comes first, is estimated at $4.5 billion. During the second reading, Council voted to allocate 50% to County advancement projects, 30% to community investment projects, and 20% to Comet-related enhancements. The motion also included a minimum of $20 million for each Council district that could be spent on advancement or investment projects.

“It is important for residents to understand that the vote is not yet final, and we want to hear from our constituents about transportation needs in their respective communities,” said Richland County Council Chairwoman Jesica Mackey, District 9. “We understand the frustrations of the first Penny, and my colleagues and I are committed to full transparency in this process. We have and will continue to be
diligent in our efforts.”

The current Penny program, a one-percent sales tax that was approved by voters in 2012 has, to date, funded over $700 million of $1.07 billion projects in Richland County, for road improvements, sidewalks,
and greenways, as well as the Midlands public transportation system, The COMET. Over 120 miles of roads have been resurfaced, 85 dirt roads have been paved, and eleven new intersections have been constructed.

Additionally, the Penny has been instrumental in creating more than 6,500 employment opportunities and has contributed an estimated $400 million in wages to workers across the County, which has played a significant role in improving the overall standard of living. Over the last decade, there has been over $4.7 billion in new economic investment, which has led to a sixty percent decrease in unemployment rates, 20,000 new jobs, and 4,000 new businesses.

Mackey adds that the Penny program has afforded the County opportunities to make significant improvements to infrastructure which otherwise may not have been possible – paving the way for economic development and job creation. “Richland County residents have benefited from increased mobility, safer roadways, and overall higher quality of life as a result of their investment in the community. I applaud this Council for their commitment to this program and their transparency as we navigate its trials and successes,” Mackey said.

Residents who cannot attend the July 9 public hearing but would like to have their voices heard may email comments to transportationpenny@richlandcountysc.gov to be included in the record. The deadline to submit written comments is 5 p.m. July 5.

Additional information about the Transportation Penny including current projects and future plans, as well as recordings of public meetings can be found on the Penny website. Residents may also sign up for the Penny Tax newsletter and request a speaker by visiting the website.

Richland County staff have begun discussing accomplishments of the Transportation Penny program at community meetings throughout the County. The meetings provide a forum for residents to ask questions and voice their concerns on the development of various Penny projects.

On April 23, County Council participated in the second of four Transportation Improvement Work Sessions, where they reviewed information from a recent transportation needs assessment and discussed next steps. Watch a video from the April session and set your calendars for the next one, set for 2 p.m. June 25.