York County Prepares for Key Vote on $410 Million Pennies for Progress Initiative

York County Gears Up for Critical Vote on Pennies for Progress 5

York County residents are gearing up to head to the polls on November 5, 2024, to cast their votes on a vital initiative that has been transforming the roads and infrastructure of the area for years. This upcoming vote will determine whether to authorize the continuation of the Pennies for Progress program, and with it, over $410 million in capital projects aimed at improving road safety and connectivity in the county.

What is Pennies for Progress?

Since its inception in 1997, the Pennies for Progress program has been a game-changer for York County. By implementing a one-cent sales tax, the program has generated millions of dollars that have gone directly to funding road improvements, resurfacing projects, and upgrades to intersections throughout the county. A remarkable 40% of the revenue from this sales tax comes from non-residents, which means visitors to the area also play a significant role in funding local infrastructure.

A Track Record of Success

Over the years, Pennies for Progress has successfully funded more than 100 road projects. Notable projects include the widening of Highway 160 from I-77 to the state line and the construction of the Fort Mill Southern Bypass. Voters have consistently supported the program every seven years, with successful approvals in 1997, 2003, 2011, and 2017.

What’s on the Agenda for Pennies 5?

The proposed Pennies for Progress number 5, or Pennies 5, comes with an astonishing total estimated cost of $410.65 million. This includes $225 million allocated to carryover projects from previous programs that were set back due to rising costs and workforce shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the many key projects highlighted for Pennies 5 are allocations for resurfacing 76.60 miles of roads across Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Clover, Lake Wylie, and Western York County. Improvements are slated for areas such as Stonecrest Boulevard in Tega Cay and Banks Road in Fort Mill.

Community Involvement Matters

Community advocates, like Phil Leer, a former leader of the Pennies for Progress program, alongside David Bu from Citizens for Better Roads, are actively promoting the significance of this initiative. They emphasize that a “yes” vote is not about raising taxes; it’s about continuing an existing sales tax that has proven essential for maintaining the growing demands of York County’s infrastructure.

Should Pennies 5 fail to pass, the pressure of funding these significant road projects would likely shift entirely onto property owners, leading to potential hikes in property taxes or cuts in services. It’s a prospect many in the community are keen to avoid.

Citizen Input Shapes the Program

One unique aspect of the Pennies for Progress program is that a six-member citizen advisory group, rather than elected officials or county staff, selects the road projects based on public input gathered during a series of community meetings. This structure promotes transparency and ensures that the community has a direct say in which projects get prioritized.

Get Informed and Get Involved

York County residents are encouraged to participate actively in the decision-making process. Attending public meetings is a great way to understand the proposed projects and share thoughts with neighbors. The upcoming vote presents a pivotal moment for the citizens of York County to decide the future of their roads and overall quality of life.

The Pennies for Progress number 5 initiative offers York County voters an opportunity to continue the momentum of road improvement efforts that have positively impacted the region for more than two decades. By voting “yes,” the community can secure crucial project funding without raising taxes, while also benefiting from contributions made by non-residents who travel and utilize the county’s infrastructure.

For those interested in learning more about the proposed projects, a visit to the Pennies for Progress website and attendance at public meetings can provide comprehensive information and insights.