6/29/05-The Legislature has overridden the governor’s veto of a bill to shuffle road fees and taxes from the state’s general budget to transportation.
In Gov. Mark Sanford’s veto message, he expressed concern about how funding now sent to the general fund would be replaced. Additionally, he said he wanted to hold off on additional funds for the state Transportation Department until the results of an audit of the agency are available early next year.
Lawmakers weren’t in the mood to wait.
Senators voted 36-7 to override the veto after House lawmakers voted 101-3 to do the same.
The new funding will collect about $70 million in the next three years in vehicle and driving-related taxes and divert it for work on secondary roads and for the State Infrastructure Bank, which helps pay for new roads.
Half of the money from the new law, previously H3296, is earmarked for improvements to secondary roads in the state that don’t qualify for federal funds. The other half will be funneled into the State Infrastructure Bank, likely bonded for up to $380 million in large state projects, the newspaper reported.
A provision added by a Senate panel to require drivers to pay an extra 7 cents per gallon of fuel was dropped from the final version of the legislation. The effort was intended to generate about $200 million in additional revenue for secondary roads.

5/4/05-The House approved a measure April 27 that would divert existing road-related taxes and fees to a highway maintenance fund.
Sponsored by Rep. Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, the bill would raise about $70 million annually to fix state highways, which transportation officials say are in a maintenance crisis.
The money – including driver’s license and vehicle registration fees – now pays for general state activities.
H3296 has been sent to the Senate for further consideration. For bill status, call (803) 734-6720.

2/16/05-Rep. Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, has introduced a measure that would divert existing road-related taxes and fees to a highway maintenance fund.
The bill would raise about $90 million by 2010 to fix state highways, which transportation officials say are in a maintenance crisis.
The money – including driver’s license and vehicle registration fees – now pays for general state activities.
H3296 is in the House Ways and Means Committee. For House bill status, call (803) 734-6720.