DOT reform stalls in Senate; threatens road money proposal

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A plan to change how the state Department of Transportation operates is stalled in the South Carolina Senate and could derail the entire proposal to get more money to roads and bridges.

Gov. Nikki Haley’s office said her vow to veto any bill that doesn’t include DOT reform along with income tax relief and additional money for roads still stands.

Lawmakers have less than two months to get it all accomplished before the session ends in June.

A House committee has passed a plan that would allow the governor to appoint all eight members of the DOT commission. They would be screened by a panel of House members and senators. The bill will be on the House floor when legislators return April 14.