For the last four years, Beaufort County and Hilton Head have gathered initial thoughts, conducted multiple studies, listened to community input, and were presented 17 alternatives to address the US 278 corridor between Moss Creek Drive in Bluffton and Spanish Wells Road on Hilton Head Island. As a result of the vetting process one alternative was chosen. 

That one preferred alternative was then further refined based on more community feedback and incorporated most of the recommendations from a study commissioned by the Town of Hilton Head. 

So where are we now? Beaufort County is the lead agency for the project and has signed an IGA (intergovernmental Agreement) that holds the County responsible for starting the project by 2024 and completing the project by 2028. Two thirds of the County project cannot and will not be changed, no matter how many additional studies we do. The bridge will start at Moss Creek, travel across the intercoastal waterway to Pickney Island, cross Skull Creek, and proceed to Windmill Harbor. The federal guidelines are non-negotiable since this project crosses the Intercostal Waterway and the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge.

We do have the flexibility for the final mile of the project within town limits. We believe the current plan for the one-mile stretch through the Stoney community is good. As the project moves forward, we are willing to continue to accept more feedback through the design phase and will work with local and state representatives to secure the extra funding for any changes that will be necessary. 

The end-to-end study proposed by the Town of Hilton Head will only strengthen the corridor from Windmill Harbor through the Cross Island Expressway. We welcome this feedback for inclusion during the final design phase and to identify future projects that will continue to improve the commute times of ALL Beaufort County residents living, working, and playing on Hilton Head. 

However, we CANNOT hold this project up any longer. It is time to move forward and stay on the current timeline. We cannot risk hundreds of millions of dollars when Beaufort County voters approved this County project in 2018. Currently, 95% of the population approves, is indifferent or wants to get to work on time. 

A final attempt is being made by the staff of the County and the Town of Hilton Head to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow this County project to move forward with feedback from the Town of Hilton Head.  Since the final MOU was not completed in time for the Beaufort Council to take any action at this meeting, there is no item on the agenda regarding this matter. The Beaufort County Council will discuss the proposed MOU at the September 19 Public Facilities meeting and, if approved, will move to the full Council on September 26.

I call on the elected leaders of Hilton Head to read every line of the proposed MOU and see that compromises have been made and the proposed MOU strengthens the relationship between the two professional staffs and creates the best possible outcome for all our residents.   

I hope to see this new MOU on the next Town Council Agenda for discussion and approval, so that we can move forward with this critically important project for all Beaufort County citizens.