Charleston Reporter

Charleston County residents are being urged to vote in favor of the Transportation Sales Tax (TST) Referendum this election season. The referendum is seen as a chance to improve infrastructure and transit systems, particularly benefiting West Ashley. According to proponents, the measure will not increase taxes but will allocate resources towards essential projects aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing traffic congestion.

The proposed improvements include enhancements to I-526 and other key infrastructure investments. Studies by SCDOT indicate that Charleston region drivers lose approximately 50 hours annually due to traffic delays. Passing the referendum could potentially reduce morning commute times in West Ashley by 45%.

Safety is another focus of the TST Referendum, with expectations of fewer accidents and quicker emergency response times if it passes. Without this funding, there is concern over continued road congestion and potential overdevelopment of green spaces.

To move forward with these plans, voters are encouraged to approve Question 1 for funding and Question 2 for initiating work promptly. These measures appear at the end of the ballot under Local Questions.

For more information on supporting the TST Referendum, interested parties can contact Michael Mule at michael.mule@upstrategies.com.