As the General Assembly considers legislation to modernize the South Carolina Department of Transportation, including S. 831, there is a clear opportunity to strengthen how our state plans, funds and delivers critical infrastructure.
From expanding metropolitan areas to rural highways, infrastructure is the backbone of our communities and economy.
That’s why recent efforts, including the House’s Ad-Hoc Department of Transportation Modernization Committee, created last year, and current legislation up for debate in the House, are so important.
The committee’s mission to accelerate project delivery and streamline operations aligns with the urgent need to modernize our transportation system for the 21st century.
At the American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina, we represent more than 100 engineering firms and thousands of licensed engineers and surveyors who design and deliver the infrastructure that keeps South Carolina moving.
For 28 years, we have partnered with the South Carolina Department of Transportation in a relationship built on collaboration. This partnership balances day-to-day problem-solving with long-term strategic planning, ensuring that projects are completed efficiently, safely, and in ways that benefit taxpayers.
While we don’t always agree on every issue, this collaboration consistently produces solutions that strengthen South Carolina’s transportation network.
Our work extends beyond SCDOT to a broad coalition of contractors and infrastructure partners. Strong coordination across industry partners is essential to keeping projects on time and maintaining high standards across the state.
These partnerships ensure that when South Carolina invests in infrastructure, the benefits reach every corner of the state.
The economic impact of infrastructure investment cannot be overstated.
Research conducted by Joseph Von Nessen and commissioned by our Infrastructure Works Institute found that SCDOT investments from fiscal years 2021 through 2027 are projected to directly support more than 23,000 jobs, generate $10.7 billion in labor income, and produce $30.5 billion in economic output. (See page 24 of the report released last June.)
When multiplier effects are included, these numbers rise to more than 37,000 jobs, $16.6 billion in labor income and $51.3 billion in total economic output. Beyond numbers, these investments shorten commutes, reduce congestion, improve safety and enhance quality of life for South Carolinians statewide.
South Carolina also has the engineering capacity to deliver even more.
Our consulting firms are equipped with the talent, technology and expertise to handle complex projects across transportation, water, broadband and environmental infrastructure.
To fully leverage this capacity, SCDOT must have access to modern tools, flexible project delivery methods and sustainable funding mechanisms.
Granting the agency National Environmental Policy Act responsibilities, for example, would reduce federal review delays, speed up project timelines and improve coordination with permitting agencies. States that have made this change have cut months, even years, from project schedules.
Equally important, SCDOT should have the full toolbox of modern procurement methods.
Public-private partnerships, lump sum contracting, progressive design-build, and construction manager/general contractor models allow for innovation, shared risk, cost certainty and more predictable schedules. These tools deliver projects faster and with fewer surprises, serving both taxpayers and communities.
The Senate’s bill, passed 37-1 on March 19, provides SCDOT with additional tools to modernize operations and project delivery.
While the bill does not yet include funding provisions, these tools are an important step toward strengthening the state’s transportation system.
As the legislation moves forward, consideration of sustainable funding mechanisms will be important, as additional resources and investment will be needed to fully meet the state’s infrastructure goals in the years ahead.
Maintaining a focus on efficiency, accountability and innovation will be critical to ensuring the bill delivers meaningful, long-term upgrades to South Carolina’s transportation system.
American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina is pleased with the Senate’s speed in passing S. 831.
With continued investment and a streamlined regulatory framework, South Carolina can build a safe, efficient and resilient transportation network that supports economic growth, strengthens communities, and improves the daily lives of all residents.
By modernizing SCDOT, we ensure our state’s infrastructure does not simply meet today’s needs but is also ready for the opportunities of tomorrow.
Adam B. Jones is executive director of the American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina and the South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers. In this role, he represents and advocates for the engineering and surveying community at the Statehouse. He has a bachelor's degree in business management from Limestone College and a master's degree in environmental management from Webster University. He currently serves on the American Council of Engineering Companies' Research Institute board of directors and is a past member of the council's national executive committee.
