This week, the Charleston region achieved a historic win to get the Mark Clark Extension back on track. With the help of Charleston legislators, Rep. Stavrinakis, Rep. Brewer, Rep. Murphy, Sen. Senn and Charleston County Council members Honeycutt, Sass, Moody, Middleton and Boykin, who have been vocal champions of the project in Columbia, the Joint Bond Review Committee (JBRC) voted 7-1-1 to approve the $75 million necessary to get the project to shovel-ready status.
Please take the opportunity to thank the following JBRC members for their vote in favor of the $75 million:
- Sen. Thomas Alexander
- Sen. Katrina Shealy
- Sen. Nikki Setzler
- Rep. Leon Stavrinakis
- Rep. Bill Herbkersman
- Rep. Bruce Bannister
- Rep. Heather Ammons Crawford
A special thank you to the Charleston business leaders who were able to join us in Columbia to further illustrate the business community’s support and State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) Chairman John White and Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall for their favorable testimony.
The Mark Clark Extension is an essential project to increase the capacity of the regional transportation system, improve safety and enhance mobility to and from the West Ashley, Johns Island and James Island areas. Additionally, the project’s completion will enhance workforce recruitment and retention by reducing employee commute times and increase opportunities for economic development by connecting primary communities with a major transportation artery.
While this was a huge win, our work is not over. Charleston County must pass a continuation of the half-penny sales tax in 2024 to fund the Mark Clark Extension, as well as other important infrastructure projects across the county. If you are interested in learning more about the half-penny sales tax referendum, please email bvincett@charlestonchamber.org.
Annual Legislative Reception
Don’t forget to register for our Legislative Reception on January 4! The annual Legislative Reception is the official release of our 2024 Legislative Agenda as well as an opportunity to meet and network with over 75 state and local elected officials from across the Charleston region. Click here to register.
Bailey Vincett, Director of Government Relations
