CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Groups that oppose the Interstate 526 expansion are beginning a campaign to make their voices heard ahead of a Charleston County sales tax vote that would fund the project, even though others support the project.
The Coastal Conservation League and neighbors set to lose their land from the expansion continue to oppose it. Those against it cite how the project could destroy 38 acres of wetlands and will take 30 acres from James Island County Park.
Communities and Transportation Project Manager at the league Emma Berry says losing wetlands is something that can’t be taken back.
“These environmental impacts are very real, and they’re not going anywhere if anything, they’re only increasing. So, I think you know to be able to connect with people that are having that lived experience. experience, constantly, and to give them, like, tools, and an opportunity to do something about it, and speak about it, is really empowering and important,” Berry says.
People do support the project, and in the past have spoken at council meetings and written letters to leaders. The group nicknamed “Fix 526″ argues the road will ‘fix’ traffic times and quality of life issues. The project would build about 9.5 miles of interstate from West Ashley across James and Johns Islands.
With a price tag in the billions, the county continues to need new funding and to pass barriers to fund the project. The county and state transportation bank say they will work to fund the project.
On November 5th of this fall, Charleston County voters will be asked to vote on the continuation of a one percent transportation sales tax. The county’s plan has about 35% of the tax designated to fund the I-526 expansion over Johns and James Islands. The plan estimates that about $5.4 billion in tax would not only cover the I-526 extension but a list of other projects from North Charleston to Mount Pleasant to James Island.
Berry and her team are hosting post-card writing events throughout August and September to send mailers to people with facts and urging them to vote against the sales tax.
“Not only are you reaching the person that you mail the card to, but you’re also engaging people to write the letters, to write the postcard letters, which I think educates them, engages them, gives them a really helpful way to reach people about the issue,” Berry says.
The one percent sales tax will appear on all Charleston County voter ballots on Nov. 5.
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