Beaufort County 1% Sales Tax for Transportation Infrastructure

The Beaufort County 1% Sales Tax Referendum for 2024 focuses on raising funds to improve transportation infrastructure in the region. If approved by voters, it replaces the current 1% tax for Greenspace that expires at the end of 2024. The sales tax is slated to last for a 10-year term or until $950 million is collected. The funds, managed by Beaufort County, will directly impact transportation projects, benefiting both residents and visitors by improving roads, easing traffic, and enhancing safety.

The referendum’s success will depend on voters’ support this November, and it’s framed as an opportunity to invest in Beaufort County’s future, addressing critical transportation needs that have grown more urgent over time.

 

The Chamber compiled information on the projects and use of funds planned in the Sales Tax proposal for our region – northern Beaufort County.

  1. Investing for the Future
    • The 1% sales tax is an investment in Beaufort County’s future to improve our transportation infrastructure for residents and visitors alike.
    • This initiative aims to enhance our quality of life by reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety.
  2. Targeted Improvements
    • Funds raised will be specifically allocated to critical transportation projects across the county.
    • North of Broad focus areas are Lady’s Island Corridor, Ribaut Road and the intersection of Lady’s Island bridge, and allocations for City and Town infrastructure projects
  3. Economic Implications
    • Better infrastructure attracts businesses and supports economic development, potentially creating new job opportunities for our community.
    • Better safety and mobility improves daily commutes to work and ease of transportation while conducting business.
  4. Shared Responsibility
    • The sales tax method allows both residents and visitors contribute to the improvements they’ll benefit from.
    • The 1% tax beginning in May 2025 would replace the current Greenspace 1% that expires in 2024 and not be charged on basic necessities, like groceries and medication.
  5. Long-term Benefits, Short-term Investment
    • While the tax is only 1%, its impact on our infrastructure will be significant and long-lasting.
    • Investing now can prevent more costly repairs and improvements in the future.

This November, voters have the power to shape the future of Beaufort County’s infrastructure. Your vote is a voice in determining how we address our community’s transportation needs. CLICK HERE for Sample Ballot Questions.

Referendum Overview

Terms: 10 year sunset, starting May 2025, or until $950m collected. CLICK HERE for Slide Deck and CLICK HERE for a handout developed by Beaufort County.

Beaufort County has committed to completing projects from the most recent referendum for Transportation Infrastructure in 2018 which was fully collected over its four-year term ($120m) CLICK HERE for 2018 referendum website. 

  • 34 Projects within the 2018 Referendum:
    • 1 – US 278 Corridor Project
    • 9 – Lady’s Island Corridor Projects
    • 24 – Pathways throughout the County
  • Status of those Projects:
    • 4 Projects Complete
    • 1 In-Construction
    • 2 Out to Bid
    • 15 In Design, Permitting, R/W Acquisition

Allocation of proposed 2024 referendum funds for North of Broad:

  • Completion of underfunded 2018 projects
    • Lady’s Island Corridor Projects ($60M)
    • 24 Pathways County-wide ($30M)
  • Ribaut Road Improvements ($75M)
  • City of Beaufort managed projects ($10m), Town of Port Royal managed projects ($10m), Unincorporated Northern Beaufort County projects ($10m)
  • Greenbelts (county-wide) ($50M)
  • Mass Transit (county-wide) ($80M)

Allocation of proposed 2024 referendum funds for South of Broad:

  • The Triangle Project – SC 170, US 278, Argent Blvd ($120M)
  • SC 46 Improvements ($50M)
  • Town of Hilton Head managed projects ($30m), Town of Bluffton managed projects ($30m)

Additional County-wide Projects

  • Greenbelts ($50M)
  • Mass Transit ($80M)
  • Safety Projects ($100M)
  • Dirt Road Paving and Resurfacing ($80M)
  • Pathway Projects ($20M)
  • Resiliency/Emergency Evacuation Projects ($55M)

Jasper County residents also have a chance to cast their vote for a 1% Sales Tax. Their collection terms are 15 years and $470M, portions of which will share the cost of shared roadway improvements along Highway 170. CLICK HERE for Jasper’s flyer.