This week, on your behalf, I traveled up to Columbia alongside Mayor Tecklenburg, Charleston County Councilmembers Jenny Costa Honeycutt, Joe Boykin, Brantley Moody, and Dorchester County Councilman Jay Byars to advocate for State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) funding for the Mark Clark Extension.
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.
The Chamber has long been an advocate for the Mark Clark Extension and continues to make the projects completion a top priority. Earlier this year, Charleston County approved $75 million to get the project to shovel-ready status. The ask from the State Infrastructure Bank was to match the County’s $75 million.
After hearing testimony in favor of the project from Representative Gary Brewer, Mayor Tecklenburg, Councilmembers Honeycutt and Byars, the board went into executive session. When the board returned, Representative Chris Murphy motioned to approve Charleston County’s request for $75 million. Members of the SIB voted unanimously to approve sending $75 million to Charleston County to get the Mark Clark Extension to shovel-ready status. The funds will come from the $420 million the SIB previously pledged to the project.
A special thank you to all our elected officials and county staff that made the trip to Columbia to advocate for this important infrastructure project.
- Representative Chris Murphy
- Representative Gary Brewer
- Mayor John Tecklenburg
- Councilmember Jenny Costa Honeycutt
- Councilman Joe Boykin
- Councilman Brantley Moody
- Councilman Jay Byars
Additionally, we want to extend our appreciation to the entire State Infrastructure Bank for their unanimous support of the Mark Clark Extension.
- Chairman John White
- Vice Chairman Ernest Duncan
- Tony Cox
- Gary Simrill
- David Shehan
- Representative Chris Murphy
- Senator Ross Turner
The next step for the Mark Clark Extension will be approval at the Joint Bond Review Committee (JBRC). JBRC is a joint committee of Senate and House members that “studies and monitors policies and procedures relating to the approval of permanent improvement projects and to the issuance of state general obligation and institutional bonds.”
We look forward to working with members of the committee to ensure the completion of the Mark Clark Extension. The SIB vote was a big win. But, the game is not over. The entire business community needs to continue its vocal support for this critical project.
If you would like to support the Mark Clark Extension, please email bvincett@charlestonchamber.org. Thank you for your continued support.
