Lexington County Council gave final approval July 26 to a penny sales tax proposal that would fund millions in road improvements throughout the county.

It was a unanimous vote that clears the way for a November vote on a plan that would bring in more than$500 million across an eight-year period. The money would bring much-needed relief to what some call a “nightmare” of traffic congestion throughout Lexington County.

Council Chair Scott Whetstone said the vote does not reflect an endorsement of the tax by council, but rather an endorsement of having voters decide on whether the tax should be implemented.

None of the council members voiced any objection to the plan.

Asked after the meeting what outcome he expected, Council Member Larry Brigham said he thinks voters will approve it. 

“It’s the only way we can pay for it.”

Council Member Darrell Hudson said he originally opposed the plan, but later changed his mind after concluding there was no other way to pay for all of the needed improvements.

The approval comes after an earlier proposal was rejected because council members said it funded projects that didn’t relate directly to road surface improvements.

The Capital Project Sales Commission, which formulated the original plan, came up with a new plan that restricted projects to road improvements.

One of the largest projects included in the plan is the widening and repaving of Longs Pond Road in Lexington County, which will cost an estimated $64 million. Also listed as part of the project are upgrades on Pisgah Church Road, Charter Oak Road, St. Peters Road and bridges.

Another major improvement will be a repaving project for the Gibson Road Parkway in the town of Lexington at a cost of approximately $25 million. An intersection improvement project on Corley Mill Bypass in the town of Lexington is estimated to cost around $28 million.

Taxes collected over an eight-year period designated for the plan are estimated to reach $536 million. But county officials say the final total is subject to change as the collections vary over time.

A similar proposal introduced in 2014 was rejected by voters.