News Summary
The South Carolina Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting in Horry County to discuss proposed safety improvements along US 17 Business. The event will take place at Ocean View Baptist Church, offering attendees the chance to voice their opinions and concerns. Public comments will be accepted for a month following the meeting. Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will conduct public meetings related to the Highway 22 Extension Project, part of the RIDE 4 program aimed at enhancing local infrastructure.
Myrtle Beach
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is set to hold a public meeting in Horry County focused on proposed highway safety improvements along US 17 Business, also known as North Kings Highway. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ocean View Baptist Church, located at 7300 N. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572.
Attendees will have the chance to provide input on the highway safety improvement project during the meeting. Public comments will be accepted from May 7 to June 6, 2025, allowing community members a month to share their views and concerns. The meeting aims to foster engagement and transparency in the planning process, with more detailed information available on the project’s website.
RIDE 4 Project Overview
In addition to the highway safety improvements, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be holding a series of public meetings concerning the South Carolina Highway 22 Extension Project. This initiative is part of the RIDE 4 program, which aims to alleviate congestion, improve hurricane evacuation routes, and enhance access to services located on both sides of the Waccamaw River.
The public meetings for the Highway 22 Extension will take place from May 12 to May 15, running each day from 4 to 6 p.m. These meetings are a crucial part of the community engagement efforts to discuss this significant infrastructure development.
Funding and Project Details
The RIDE program, which stands for Road Improvement and Development Effort, utilizes local funding to make necessary improvements to roads and transportation infrastructure in Horry County. Collections for the RIDE 4 program commenced on May 1, following the completion of RIDE 3.
A new website has been introduced to document the progress of all RIDE projects, aiming to enhance taxpayer transparency. This site includes features such as a current project search, past and future project searches, an interactive project map, and important information on community meetings. Additionally, quarterly updates on RIDE projects will be shared through a newsletter titled “Future in Focus.”
Community Engagement and Voting
In November 2024, voters approved a referendum that allows for the continuation of a 1% sales and use tax specifically allocated for road improvements through 2050. The RIDE IV program includes a robust list of projects with an estimated total cost of $5.5 billion, while also ensuring the funding of significant projects such as the Southern Connector and the extension of I-73 into Horry County.
The Southern Connector holds the title of the most expensive project on the RIDE IV list, with an estimated cost of $1.56 billion. The upcoming ballot for RIDE IV will present voters with a lengthy question outlining various projects and their associated costs.
Environmental Considerations
As the planning for new road constructions progresses, there may be concerns raised by environmental groups regarding the potential impact of development on local wildlife refuges. These voices will likely be part of the broader community dialogue in upcoming meetings.
As general election approaches, Horry County will provide regular updates on voting and elections, including information about early voting locations and other pertinent electoral matters. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and participate actively in discussions about these significant transportation projects that aim to enhance the infrastructure of Horry County.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: SCDOT Public Meeting in Horry County
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Department of Transportation
- WPDE: SCDOT and Horry County Propose Highway 22 Extension
- Google Search: Horry County transportation projects
- WMBF News: Horry County New Website for Road Projects
- Google Scholar: Transportation Infrastructure Horry County
- Coastal Observer: Waccamaw Neck Benefits from New Road Tax
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Roads Infrastructure
- Horry News: Election Preview Horry County
- Google News: Horry County elections
