February 26, 2025

Myrtle Beach and Coast RTA Partner for New Facilities

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News Summary

Myrtle Beach and Coast RTA are collaborating on new construction projects aimed at enhancing public transportation and fire services. The joint facilities will be located on an 18.7-acre site on Robert Grissom Parkway. Construction for Coast RTA’s transit center and maintenance facility is expected to start in 2026, while plans for the revamped fire station are also underway. This initiative is projected to improve service delivery significantly for both public transit and emergency services in the area.

Coast RTA and Myrtle Beach Join Forces for New Facilities on Robert Grissom Parkway

In a groundbreaking move aimed at enhancing both public transportation and emergency services, the city of Myrtle Beach is set to collaborate with Coast RTA for the construction of new facilities on a shared parcel of land off Robert Grissom Parkway. The plans have been received with enthusiasm by city leaders, who anticipate a transformation in service delivery for both public transit and fire safety.

Shared Land and Construction Timeline

The proposed site, spanning 18.7 acres near the intersection of Robert Grissom Parkway and Executive Avenue, is expected to be bustling with construction activity as early as next year. The Coast RTA plans to erect a state-of-the-art operations and maintenance facility, which will include a 12-bay transit center. This initiative comes as Coast RTA currently spends $250,000 annually on leasing maintenance space, showcasing the urgent need for upgraded facilities to better serve the community.

Fire Station Renovations on the Horizon

In parallel, Myrtle Beach’s Fire Station 1 has been struggling under the pressures of overcapacity. Currently situated on Mr. Joe White Avenue, the fire station is crying out for new premises to effectively meet the demands for emergency services. City officials, including assistant city manager Brian Tucker, highlighted the strategic benefits of co-locating the fire station and Coast RTA facilities on the same plot. This cooperative arrangement is viewed as a win-win for both entities.

Key Dates and Financial Considerations

City manager Fox Simons has revealed that construction for the new fire station is projected to commence in 2026. At the same time, a representative from Coast RTA anticipates an August 2026 start for the transit center, followed closely by the maintenance facility in October 2026. The financing for these important projects will be managed separately, with Coast RTA and the city both responsible for their respective budgets.

Additional Funding Efforts

In a separate but equally critical initiative, the city is also in the process of applying for a grant exceeding $205,000 dedicated to its school resource officer program. This funding ensures that institutions like Myrtle Beach Primary School and Myrtle Beach Elementary School remain secure with dedicated police resource officers. Furthermore, the city is actively seeking $65 million from South Carolina lawmakers to bolster infrastructure efforts in the downtown Arts and Innovation District.

Roadwork and Potential Disruptions

The city’s pursuit of infrastructure improvement is not without its challenges. Last year, a request for $75 million yielded only $10 million, forcing a reassessment of priorities and funding strategies. As roadwork kicks off in January to facilitate these plans, motorists can expect closures and detours in the Arts and Innovation District.

The RIDE 4 Initiative

Coast RTA’s investment in new facilities is set to be significantly supported by the upcoming RIDE 4 transportation tax, expected to generate around $300 million over the next 25 years. With an initial funding injection of more than $7 million in its first year, the RIDE 4 tax aims to improve public transport services dramatically. The funds are anticipated to start pouring in by May 2025.

Enhancing Public Transit and Services

With these new developments, Coast RTA is ideally positioned to improve public transit options substantially. Plans include the expansion of service frequencies, an increase in ridership options, and potentially adding more buses to their existing fleet. This ambitious blueprint promises a revitalization of transportation services in the Horry County area, positioning both Coast RTA and the city of Myrtle Beach for a more efficient and connected future.