March 09, 2010
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 Welcome to Pennies for Progress Minimize

Pennies for Progress is the name of the York County Capital Projects Sales and Use Tax Programs. The Pennies for Progress Programs were initiated by York County to provide the citizens with a safer and more efficient roadway system. The projects were chosen by a Sales Tax Commission that represented the citizens of York County and then were approved by the voters in York County. York County was the first county in South Carolina to pass this type of sales tax to improve the road system. A benefit of this tax is ninety-nine cents of every sales tax dollar raised in York County stays in York County. York County is currently working on two sales tax programs to improve the road system in the county. The following is general information about the programs: 

1997 Pennies for Progress

  • Referendum Passed: November 1997
  • Tax Expired: Expired in 6 Years
  • Budget: $218,545,217
  • Spent as of May 2009: $136,000,000 
  • Number of Projects: 14
  • Program Duration: 1998 to 2012

 2003 Pennies For Progress  

  • Referendum Passed: November 2003
  • Tax Expires: No later than August 2011
  • Budget: $173,000,000
  • Spent as of May 2009: $5,000,000
  • Number of Projects: 25
  • Program Duration: 2004 to 2014

It will take approximately five more years to complete construction on the 1997 and 2003 Pennies for Progress road projects. During this time, information on the projects will be available through the local media (newspapers, radio and television) so that citizens can be informed of the progress. 

Should you have questions or comments about the program, please contact the York County Engineering office:

Jim Gaddy or Phil Leazer, Program Managers

York County Agricultural Building
PO Box 148
6 South Congress St.
York, SC  29745

(803) 684-8571 - Phone
(803) 684-8596 - Fax

engineering@yorkcountygov.com
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 Latest Project Information     Minimize

Pennies for Progress Update

A Program update was presented to the York County Council at their January 13, 2010 Workshop.  Staff provided information on project status, financial update and proposed schedules for both the 1997 and 2003 Programs.  In addition, a general overview of the proposed 3rd Pennies for Progress Program was presented outlining adopted criteria for new project selection, as well as, tentative schedules for the Program.  This revised schedule includes a new proposed referendum date of June 2011.  To view this Power Point presentation detailing the program status, please see the following presentation:

January 2010 Project Update Presentation  

SC Highway 5 West

The number one priority project of the 1997 Pennies for Progress Program has now been completed.  The project opened to traffic on September 1, 2009 and now provides a multilane corridor from Interstate 85 in Cherokee County to the SC Highway 5 Bypass, just west of York.  Some cleanup/minor construction will continue on this project over the next few months as the work is finalized.   

 Cost Estimates

 The York County Council received updated cost estimates for both the 1997 and 2003 Pennies for Progress Programs at a workshop on March 18, 2009. Increased raw material costs and higher than expected construction escalation rates have presented York County with some significant financial challenges in meeting the Program goals.  

US 21 Catawba River Bridge - Update

Construction bids are to publicly opened on December 9, 2009 for the new 5-lane bridge over the Catawba River.  The new US 21 bridge over the Catawba River will have 5-lanes for traffic, as well as, dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks.  Construction will begin in early 2010 and take approximately 24 months to complete.  The project is being managed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). 

Additional information regarding this project can be found at the SCDOT website.
 

General Program Facts

  • Safer Roads
  • Ninety-nine cents of every sales tax dollar raised in York County stays in York County
  • The tax is guaranteed to expire in 7 years or less
  • Non-residents who use our roads will help pay for the improvements
  • This is the principle source of road improvement dollars for years to come
  • The projects chosen will affect needs in every part of the county
  • You know exactly how the road tax money is being spent
  • A penny for roads is a penny for roads only
  • Ensure faster response times by police. fire, and medical personnel

 
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©2009 by York County, SC and Calvin Consulting, Inc.
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