Columbia, S.C. – In a letter to President Donald Trump, Governor Henry McMaster requested that the president include two South Carolina projects in his national infrastructure plan.

A copy of the letter can be found here.

Emphasizing South Carolina’s unique position as an economic driver in the region, the governor asked for the president’s inclusion of a $180 million allotment to fulfill the federal share for the deepening of the Charleston port to 52 feet.

Additionally, Governor McMaster requested an appropriation of $5 billion from the plan to address state-specific infrastructure needs.

“History shows that South Carolina has given much to the nation, and we intend to give more,” Governor McMaster wrote. “But it is too much at this time to ask our people to bear this burden alone, heightening fears of increased gas taxes, delay, missed opportunities and decline.”

How the money will be spent (SC DOT Transportation Asset Management Plan):

• $500 million will be targeted at improving safety on 2000 miles of our state's deadliest roads - adding basic safety features such as shoulders, pavement markings, signage, rumble strips and providing clear zones.
• $2 billion will be targeted at paving and reparing the Interstate and Primary road systems. 35% of the interstate system is rated in "poor" condition and needs immediate repar, with a large number requiring to be completely rebuilt from the foundation up. With the primary system carrying more than half of our state's traffic, only 10% of the system is rated in "good" condition, and more than 50% needs to be completely rebuilt.
• $2 billion will be targeted to address congestion and bottlenecks along South Carolina's freight network used by commercial trucking, commuters and visitors. 
• $500 million will be targeted at reparing and replacing structurally deficient bridges. These funds would enable SC DOT to significantly accelerate its existing bridge program that is designed to eliminate half of the state's structurally deficient bridges.