Charleston County is collecting public input on the first draft of the Transportation Sales Tax Referendum and the business community has an opportunity to guide decisions that will impact our region for decades.

This proposed half-cent sales tax continuation would generate $4.25 billion over 25 years to support transportation investments across Charleston County.

Upon analyzing the initial proposal, the Chamber believes the referendum should place a stronger emphasis on infrastructure improvements and public transit to strengthen how our communities connect and move throughout the region.

Take the Survey and Share Your Voice

This is your opportunity to speak up and shape how transportation investments are prioritized before you head to the polls in November.

Take the Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax Draft Survey

The survey takes about five minutes to complete.

As someone who lives and works in Charleston County and advocates for the future of our region, your perspective will guide decisions that shape how you move throughout our communities for years to come.

When completing the survey, the Chamber encourages you to emphasize the importance of:

• MORE Funding for Infrastructure: Prioritizing road and infrastructure improvements that reduce congestion and improve mobility.
• MORE Funding for Public Transit: Strengthening public transit investment, including support for CARTA and Lowcountry Rapid Transit.

Your input today helps ensure the transportation needs of our communities, workforce and businesses are reflected as Charleston County leaders take the next steps with this proposal.

Current Draft Funding Allocation

The first draft of the referendum proposes the following distribution of funding:

• 63.52% ($2.7 billion) for infrastructure and road improvements
• 20.24% ($860 million) for public transit
• 16.24% ($690 million) for the county’s Greenbelt Program

While the proposal includes important transportation investments, the Chamber believes the referendum should place a stronger emphasis on infrastructure and public transit, which are critical to improving mobility across Charleston County.

Featured Transportation Projects

Approximately 39.95% of the infrastructure funding would support major featured projects across Charleston County, including:

• Improvements to Johnnie Dodds at Houston Northcutt and Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant.
• Widening US-17 in West Ashley.
• A new Rivers Avenue and Durant Avenue overpass in North Charleston.
• The Battery extension in downtown Charleston.

These projects will impact every corner of the county. Ensuring the right level of funding is in place will help make certain that residents across Charleston County benefit from these investments.

Learn About All Featured Projects & the Funding Breakdown

Why Public Transit Matters

Investments in public transit will help CARTA expand service and move forward with Lowcountry Rapid Transit, which is expected to begin construction next year.

Lowcountry Rapid Transit has the potential to reshape transportation in the region and support future development along the corridor. Without sufficient funding from the Transportation Sales Tax continuation, CARTA would be unable to sustain current operations or expand service, which could result in additional traffic on our roadways.

Your Voice Shape the Future of Charleston County

The perspectives of those who live and work in Charleston County will help shape decisions that affect how we move throughout our region for decades. This is an opportunity to share your perspective and help ensure County Council hears from the people who experience our transportation struggles every day.

Take a few minutes and help ensure transportation infrastructure and public transit are a priority for our region’s future.

Take the Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax Draft Survey