Legacy Road Process Formalized, Agreement to support Jasper County Animal Control Services, Prioritize the 2018 One-Cent Transportation Sales Tax, Approve Funds for Green Space Program Acquisitions

Some highlighted actions taken by the Beaufort County Council include:

Assist Jasper County with Animal Control Intake and Shelter Support
Discussion to authorize the County Administrator to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Jasper County to aid with animal control intake and support the sheltering of animals. Jasper County currently has no facility available to shelter animals within its jurisdiction.  This agreement will allow Beaufort County Animal Services and Hilton Head Humane to offer support to Jasper County as they begin the process of increasing County support and funding to their existing animal services, education and pet ownership awareness and responsibilities, and shelter operation. This agreement ensures continued proper care and protection of animals within the custody of both counties.

Process to Maintain Legacy Roads
Approval of the third and final reading of an Ordinance to establish formalization of Right of Way for “Legacy Roads.” This benefits the public and the County by providing clear definitions of ownership, ensuring that public funds are not expended for improvements on private property. As funding becomes available, the County will be able to implement road improvements on a larger scale.

2018 One Cent Transportation Sales Tax Program: Amended Project/Scope List
Approval of a resolution to refine and further prioritize the project list and scopes within the three categories of the 2018 One Cent Transportation Sales Tax Program. The original referendum defined three primary categories of
investment: US 278 Corridor Traffic Improvements ($80 million), Lady’s Island Corridor Traffic Improvements ($30 million), Sidewalks and Multi-Use Pathways ($10 million). Actual revenue collections exceeded expectations, totaling approximately $146.5 million. However, due to significant inflationary pressures and rising construction costs, the funding is now insufficient to deliver all
originally envisioned projects. The proposed resolution refines the 2018 Transportation Sales Tax Program project list to reflect the current
financial landscape. It formally identifies the remaining projects that can be funded with the collected revenue and establishes their revised scopes. Updated projects include: construction of a new eastbound 3-lane bridge on US 278 with direct access to Pinckney Island, prioritized intersection and roadway improvements across Lady’s Island, and the completion of key sidewalk and multi-use pathway projects across the County.

US278 Project and FAA's Large Bridge Grant through Bridge Investment Program (BIP)
Approval of a resolution in support of the US 278 Corridor Project and authorization for the County Administrator to work with SCDOT to apply for a Large Bridge Project Grant through the Federal Highway Administration’s Bridge Investment Program (BIP). Beaufort County, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), previously received approval from the South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank (SCTIB) to proceed with a revised US 278 Corridor Project that includes a 3-lane replacement bridge. The original scope of the project, which included a 6-lane bridge and full corridor improvements, was scaled back due to a $190 million funding gap following the unsuccessful transportation sales tax referendum.

Green Space Funding for Property Acquisition in Jasper County 
Approval of a resolution authorizing the County Administrator to execute the documents necessary and to provide funds from the Green Space Program Fund to the Open Land Trust to acquire property in unincorporated Jasper County--known as the Chelsea Tracts--for $6 million to be repaid within one year. The Chelsea Tracts is a property consisting of 2723± acres located in unincorporated Jasper County and bordered by Beaufort County in one section. Because the property’s location is important to the military, it is expected that the Department of Defense will contribute $6 million toward the conservation easement within twelve months.

According to Green Space Committee Chairman Michael McShane: the current plan is for the Nature Conservancy to collaborate with our state Forestry Commission. The area is a priority for conservation and fits every one of their interests so it's a priority. Beaufort County is once again making state history by providing funds to protect and conserve natural resources outside of its borders. Mr. McShane noted several benefits of the purchase, including: the amount of frontage on the Broad River, water quality and quantity, recreation options, and limited development. Listen to Mr. McShane's full remarks.

This investment with partners which have a history of successful preservation outcomes with Beaufort County is an opportunity to accelerate land conservation in the area and continue the mission of the Green Space Program to protect in perpetuity the natural and working landscapes that achieve public benefits through preserved open spaces and natural habitats, maintained ecosystem services, and preserved scenic corridors along rural roadways and waters of the state. 

Note: this is a selection of items from the Council Meeting Agenda. To watch the meeting in its entirety, download the agenda and packet, view minutes and more, please visit www.beaufortcountysc.gov. 

During the Administrator's Report, Mr. Moore recognized County Parks and Recreation Department employee Rheanne Washington (top left). Rheanne works the front desk at the Buckwalter location welcoming guests and making sure all requests and questions are taken care of.  

Top right: County Administrator Michael Moore recognized Marie Smalls, Director of Board of Elections and Voter Registration for Beaufort County. Mrs. Smalls is retiring after 40 years with the County.

Bottom left: And another retirement from Beaufort County service: County Administrator Moore recognized Staff Sergeant Chelsea Seronka who is retiring from Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.

Bottom right: Finally, Mr. Moore recognized another retirement from Beaufort County Sheriff's Office: Staff Sergeant Karen Denham.