A few weeks ago, Charleston County received the Just Facts: Two Decades of Infrastructure Investment and the Road Ahead report, summarizing the impact of the Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax (TST) over the last 20 years. The findings underscored how critical the TST has been to maintaining safe means of transportation, protecting greenspace and enhancing infrastructure that contributes greatly to residents’ quality of life.

Key data points include:

• Over the last 16 years, there has been a 41.45% increase in the number of registered vehicles, with the county’s popultion projected to increase by over 42,000 in the next decade.
  
• Funding has led to $4.6 billion in community infrastructure investments.
  
• Projects have created 49 miles of bike, pedestrian and multi-use paths.
  
• Today, 49% of Charleston county’s total acreage is protected greenspace.
  
• About 25% of half-penny revenue funds CARTA, the area’s public transit system that has seen passenger trips increase by 120% since 2004.

The impact of the Transportation Sales Tax Program cannot be overstated. Continuing this program means a continuation in funding for our workforce, residents, first responders, military and everyone who enjoys the benefits of being in Charleston County.

The county has begun the process of continuing the program, which is set to expire in 2027, by establishing a Transportation Sales Tax Committee, which will serve to guide and inform the future of the program. The Chamber commends Chairman Middleton and County Council for beginning this transparent, data-driven process in a timely and intentional manner.

I attended the first committee meeting on September 25 at County Council chambers and encourage the business community to engage with the county during this process by attending future meetings and providing feedback.

If you have questions about the Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax program or want to know how to get involved with the process, please contact me at dcurry@charlestonchamber.org.

You can also learn more and view the full report at charlestontransportation.com/.