Saturday, December 12, 2009

House adds $1.7 million more to 95/301 project

By T&D Staff Saturday, December 12, 2009

The budget bill passed by the U.S. House Thursday contains an additional $1.7 million to upgrade the Interstate 95 and U.S. 301 interchange near Santee, plus money for other local projects, House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn said.

The Senate will take up the bill next week.

A total of $12 million has been identified for the U.S. 301/I-95 interchange project from federal, state and local sources, according to the S.C. Department of Transportation. The projected cost is between $30 million and $40 million.

If the project plans remain on schedule, construction could begin in 2012 and take up to 24 months to complete.

Other projects of local interest receiving federal funds as a part of the $11.3 million coming to the state include:

* Claflin University forensic laboratory — $1 million

* Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five alternative youth education program — $500,000

* Voorhees College domestic violence program — $250,000