Mayor White sees referendum as next step in Greenville’s growth
November 1, 2014
GREENVILLE, SC – Fixing Greenville’s infrastructure is the necessary next step in the county’s growth, Greenville Mayor Knox White stated today.
Greenville County citizens are being asked to consider a one-percent sales tax increase to fund needed road and infrastructure improvements across the county. White stated that it is a small price to pay for the great benefits the referendum will bring to our community.
Those benefits include:
- 1,209 miles of roads repaved.
- 75 roads and intersections widened or improved.
- 23 bridges rehabilitated.
- 100 sidewalks expanded and improved – especially around schools.
- Voting no means nothing will change, cars will depreciate faster and require more repair, and Columbia will still charge for taxes with no intention of helping Greenville.
Butch Kirven, former County Council Chairman, and Lisa Stevens, Chair of the Citizens Roads Advisory Commission, also spoke about the need for action to create better, safer roads now.
“The reality of the situation is this: People can talk all they want, but while we’ve been talking for years about the solution, our roads have continued to deteriorate and become exponentially more unsafe,” said Stevens.
“Greenville County finally has a tangible plan that is based on action, not talk. It’s based on results, not the blame game. “
The one-cent sales tax referendum is limited to a period of eight years, and will fund needed road and infrastructure improvement projects including road resurfacing, intersection improvements, bridge improvements, and sidewalks around schools. Citizens for a Better Greenville lists safety, economic development, quality of life and monetary control of roads funding as key reasons to pass the referendum.
About The Citizens for a Better Greenville County:
The Citizens for a Better Greenville County is a local initiative to allow all Greenville residents the opportunity to decide the best way to fund infrastructure improvements county wide. Learn more at www.bettergreenvilleroads.com.
