A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "FIX OUR ROADS ACCOUNTABILITY ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 57-1-510 SO AS TO PROVIDE THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL ESTABLISH AND ADMINISTER A STATEWIDE PAVEMENT PRESERVATION PROGRAM CONSISTENT WITH FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION GUIDELINES, IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM THROUGH ITS ENGINEERING DISTRICTS, AND TO PROVIDE ANNUAL REPORTING TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Impact
If enacted, H5363 would amend the South Carolina Code by adding Section 57-1-510, which mandates the Secretary of SCDOT to oversee the new pavement preservation strategy. This involves systematic evaluation of pavement conditions, identification of appropriate maintenance treatments, and a lifecycle approach to prioritize maintenance at optimal times. The program aims to focus efforts on roadways that are in fair or good condition to prevent further deterioration into poor conditions, thereby improving the overall state of the transportation infrastructure.
Summary
House Bill 5363, titled the 'Fix Our Roads Accountability Act', seeks to establish a comprehensive statewide pavement preservation program managed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). This program aims to enhance the longevity of state-maintained highways while simultaneously curtailing future maintenance and reconstruction expenditures. The bill aligns with federal guidelines from the Federal Highway Administration and emphasizes preventative maintenance strategies to maintain pavement conditions prior to significant deterioration.
Contention
The implementation of this program is intended to provide transparency and accountability. SCDOT will be required to produce an annual Pavement Preservation Program Report, detailing data on road conditions, treatments applied, and costs associated with preservation versus reconstruction activities. By publishing this report on its public website, the agency aims to ensure community awareness and involvement in decisions related to roadway maintenance. However, concerns may arise regarding the allocation of funds and resources to prioritize preservation treatments, as this could impact other areas of transportation infrastructure management.
Notable_points
H5363 serves as a proactive measure to enhance South Carolina's highway system through federally aligned strategies. It emphasizes not only the necessity for maintaining current road conditions but also incorporates methods to prevent future repairs. Supporters of the bill may highlight the potential economic benefits of well-maintained roads, which can improve travel safety and efficiency, while critics might question the efficacy and funding mechanisms of the proposed program.
Establishes State purchasing preference for pervious pavement material; provides CBT tax credit to certain taxpayers that purchase pervious pavement material for municipal, county, or State construction or improvement projects.
Establishes the reclaimed asphalt pavement pilot program for the purpose of utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement in the construction or improvement of state and municipal highways or bridges.