WALTERBORO, S.C. - The Colleton County Council
has decided to reverse course and give $200,000 toward widening U.S.
17.
The donation is small, but could be important as the state seeks
out $150 million to widen a 22-mile stretch of the highway which
links Charleston to Interstate 95 heading south and Beaufort.
The mostly two-lane road has seen more than 30 deaths since
1997.
Transportation officials are trying to get money for the project
as fast as they can. They hope Colleton County's willingness to
contribute will help secure a $90 million grant and a $48 million
loan from the State Infrastructure Bank.
The bank often looks favorably on local contributions.
Last week, County Council members said they were opposed to
giving money to the project because U.S. 17 is a federal highway and
the widening would have a minimal impact on economic
development.
But during a special meeting Wednesday, the Council changed its
mind, with members citing several factors, including a promise from
Transportation Department Executive Director Elizabeth Mabry that
the agency won't condemn land for buffers or any other type of
access restrictions.
Mabry also said in a letter her agency won't require the
Lowcountry Council of Governments to give money to the project as
long as the Infrastructure Bank fully funds the widening.
But the main reason the Council cited was the deaths.
"The only reason I'll go along with this resolution is because of
the safety issues of the road," Councilman Joe Flowers said. "If
this can save one life, it will be worth it."
Beaufort County is expected to give $2 million toward the project
next week.
The $200,000 from Colleton County isn't a lot compared to the
$150 million price tag, but officials said Beaufort County's larger
tax base makes it a proportional donation.
