House introduces long-term, sustainable road funding bill

House Speaker Jay Lucas (District 65-Darlington) issued the following statement after the introduction of H.3516. This legislation creates a long-term and sustainable revenue stream by increasing motor fuel user fees, requiring out-of-state drivers/truckers to pay for road travel and removing loopholes provided to alternative fuel vehicles. It does not solely rely on general fund dollars to repair South Carolina’s deficient roads and bridges, which has been the source for infrastructure repair funding over the last several years.

“South Carolinians have demanded state government fix our dangerous roads,” said Speaker Jay Lucas. “Not only is this issue directly tied to the safety of our citizens, it also poses the greatest threat to job creation and economic growth in South Carolina. For far too long, South Carolina’s taxpayers have been the ones to solely foot the bill to repair our crumbling infrastructure. Today’s legislation removes that burden and appropriately places it on every motorist who drives on South Carolina interstates and highways. It also requires out-of-state and alternative fuel vehicle drivers to pay their fair share for traveling on our roads.”

H.3516 is cosponsored by House Majority Leader Gary Simrill, Ways and Means Chairman Brian White and several other House Members. The Ways and Means Committee will get to work on this bill over the next few weeks so that it reaches the House floor for consideration as soon as possible.

“The House is once again taking the lead on this issue because our members understand that South Carolinians want their roads fixed as soon as possible. I firmly believe today’s legislation will serve as a blueprint for a permanent funding stream for road repair. I commend House Majority Leader Gary Simrill and Chairman Brian White and for their diligent work during the off-season to help craft this sensible and crucial road-funding bill,” Speaker Jay Lucas concluded.