Road funding bill dead in South Carolina for this year

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Proposals to raise the gas tax or other taxes to get extra money to roads appear to be dead in South Carolina this year.

A bill to raise an additional $400 million for roads through taxes passed the House in April, but the Senate has not taken up any road funding proposal and lawmakers do not think they will be able to get a vote before the Legislature adjourns Thursday.

Before the session started, a roads bill seemed a priority. Business leaders said the state must do something to fix potholes and bridges and expand interstates. Gov. Nikki Haley backed a gas tax increase if paired with an income tax cut.

But no agreement could be reached.

Legislators may send $150 million in extra money for road repairs to counties.