Controversial Charleston interstate project’s fate up in air

Money for a controversial Charleston interstate project remains in limbo with a state board agreeing Thursday to give that county even more time to come up with a plan to raise about $300 million.

Other areas of South Carolina — plagued by road issues — would like the $420 million in state money already pledged to the Charleston project.

However, the State Transportation Infrastructure Bank approved giving Charleston County until its next meeting, which is not scheduled, to come up with a plan to raise $300 million.

A resolution, passed by Charleston County Council, proposes multiple funding sources for the project, state Sen. Sandy Senn, R-Charleston, said Thursday. But Charleston has not publicly identified a specific way to raise the money.

“Every time there is an extension or a delay, the (state Infrastructure Bank) wins because they’re holding on to our $420 million,” Senn said of the state money. “So it’s time for the county to get serious about either taking some action or doing some negotiations.”

In 2006, the Infrastructure Bank agreed to pay to extend I-526, also called the Mark Clark Expressway, from the West Ashley area across James and Johns islands at an estimated cost of $420 million. At the time, South Carolina’s governor, House speaker and state Senate president pro tempore all were from Charleston.

However, the extension stalled amidst local opposition. Today, the project is expected to cost about $725 million.

The Infrastructure Bank has told Charleston County it has to come up with the difference between the original, lower cost and today’s estimate. However, Charleston has failed to do so.

More than a year ago, frustrated bank board members moved to abandon the project, a move criticized by Charleston politicians but praised by a Charleston-based conservation group.

“The I-526 extension remains on life support,” Jason Crowley of the Coastal Conservation League said Thursday. “Charleston County Council has had 18 months to identify a specific funding source for the project and has failed to do so.”

Crowley added Charleston voters already have approved a half-cent sales tax increase to address traffic congestion in the West Ashley-James-Johns area.

This story was originally published July 20, 2017 at 6:25 PM.