Charleston Currents

2/25: The I-526 boondoggle; Pass the ERA; More

IN THIS ISSUE of Charleston Currents #11.15 | Feb. 18, 2019

FOCUS: I-526 Extension is a huge boondoggle
COMMENTARY, Brack: When being last can do the nation some real good
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
GOOD NEWS: Gammons named Charleston Bar’s first black president
FEEDBACK: Reform bill provides some optimism
MYSTERY PHOTO: Top of building shows wear and tear
S.C. ENCYCLOPEDIA: Union County
CALENDAR: Last-ever Junior League Whale of a Sale set for March 2

by Charleston Currents · 02/25/2019 · Comments are Disabled · Full issue

FOCUS, Palm: I-526 extension is a zombie highway project

By Fred Palm, contributing editor | The S.C. State Infrastructure Bank (SIB) last week voted no (4-3) again on continuing the contract for completing the I-526 extension (I-526X) in Charleston County. On Friday, the county threatened a lawsuit, claiming the SIB couldn’t pull out of the project that would connect West Ashley to Johns Island and end on James Island, traversing the Stono River over the adjacent swamp-wetlands.

While the final costs of this addition have not been nailed down, it would be the most expensive highway expansion ever built in South Carolina. This is a big deal.