Forty people are competing for Richland County’s seven slots on a transportation sales-tax advisory committee.

Clerk Michelle Onley said interest proved higher than for any appointments made during her seven years with the county. The deadline was Wednesday at 5 p.m.

The 15-member committee, which will advise County Council on details of a $1.07 billion roads, bus, trails and bike path improvement program, is to be appointed by Jan. 31.

The city of Columbia and other municipalities will choose the remaining members of the so-called “watchdog” committee.