SCDOT Announces Two TIGER Grant Awards

COLUMBIA, SC – May 7, 2012 – The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is announcing the award of two USDOT Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grants for projects in Beaufort and Orangeburg counties.  At this time SCDOT is soliciting public comment on the two awards prior to their consideration for inclusion in the South Carolina Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).          

TIGER Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to projects that have significant impact on a metropolitan area or region.  The USDOT awarded TIGER Grants to:

• The CITY OF BEAUFORT “BOUNDARY STREET REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT” in the amount of $12,635,000 (100 % Federal Funds).  The TIGER funds will be used in addition to local funding for right-of-way acquisition and construction of Boundary Street improvements to include installation of a raised median and the addition of sidewalks/pathways, landscaping and lighting along the corridor.  The allocation of Tiger Grant funding includes approximately $3 million for right-of-way acquisition and approximately $9.6 million for construction.  Right-of-way acquisition and construction are planned for fiscal year 2013.

• The ORANGEBURG COUNTY “I-95/US 301 INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS” in the amount of $12,100,000 (100 % Federal Funds).  TIGER funds will be used in addition to other federal and local funding  for the construction of southbound access at I-95 and US 301 in Orangeburg County creating a more direct route to southbound I-95 that will improve efficiency of truck and personal vehicles by reducing travel time and distance.  Construction is planned for fiscal year 2013.

A copy of this press release, project location maps and related information are available for public review and comment on the world web.