A year after the South Carolina hiked the gas tax, drivers see little result for their money.
SC Department of Transportation and Comptroller General’s records show that of the $312.6 million in gas taxes and other fees as of June 30, just under $7 million – 2.2% – was spent on listed roads and bridges.
The records do not show how the money was spent.
This is about 1.6% of the $442.7 million in commitments authorized by DOT.
They are split between pavements and rural road safety, though no details are given on work to be done.
Nor are projects ranked in order to be completed.
The commitments grew by $61.7 million since May, much of it for U.S. 17 – a main tourist route.
DOT chief Christy Hall did not respond to an email asking why little has been spent from the gas tax hike law fund.
In April, Hall said two lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the gas tax have forced her agency to seek alternative ways to widen the interstates.
State Act 40 upped gas taxes 12 cents to 28 cents, or 75% over 6 years.
It also affects other taxes and fees, including raising the cap on the automotive sales tax to $500 from $300.
The DOT Commission has approved adding $15 million annually to a $1.5 billion bridge-replacement program, but not until 2024.
As of July 1, drivers began paying another 2-cent annual increase in the gas tax.
Yet many are still driving on broken roads.