Haley statement on roadwork seen as overblown

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley touts last year’s transportation law among the accomplishments of her first term, saying it provided the largest funding for roads in two decades — without raising a penny in taxes. That stipulation is the only hint she’s given for the infrastructure funding plan she pledges to release in January.

Along the campaign trail, she said the law created “a billion dollars for our roads and bridges. Orange cones are going up everywhere.”

Those pushing for a much bigger infusion of cash toward fixing South Carolina’s roads and bridges say that’s misleading.

The billion dollars comes over 10 years, by leveraging state money with federal aid and borrowing. A bridge has been built near Blacksburg and almost 2 miles of road have been resurfaced in Pickens County. Beyond that it’s unclear whether any other construction is underway because of it.

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An earlier version of this story said it was unclear whether any construction at all was underway.