Speaker Lucas: House Paves the Way for Road Repair

Passes bill to fund and reform infrastructure

COLUMBIA, SC – House Speaker Jay Lucas (District 65-Darlington) released the following statement after the House passed H. 3579. This roads plan was drafted after seven months of careful study by an ad hoc committee chaired by Representative Gary Simrill (District 46-York) and has been thoroughly vetted through the legislative process.

“One of the single greatest hurdles threatening job creation and economic growth in South Carolina is the deteriorating condition of our infrastructure. Since the House began prioritizing this issue, I have maintained that finding a real solution to this problem will require tough decision-making.  This debate has been ongoing for months and every idea presented has been given considerable attention.

“Waiting to address this issue increases repair costs, discourages investment, and jeopardizes the safety of South Carolina drivers. Today, a vast majority of House membership courageously took the next necessary step to put our state on a path towards road repair.  We accomplished our goal of producing a plan that generates revenue without passing a burden onto South Carolina taxpayers.

“The economic value at stake is far greater than the price of politics. As our roads plan advances through the legislative process, I am confident the House will continue to work with Governor Nikki Haley and Senate leadership to ensure we meet our state’s needs and repair our crumbling road and bridge system.”