Committee Reaches Deal on Roads Bill

Columbia, S.C. (AP)–Democrats have agreed to allow a Republican proposal to raise $400 million yearly for South Carolina roads without raising the state’s gas tax to be debated.

The agreement came about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday after a day of short tempers.

The proposal would also allow the governor to appoint every member of the state Department of Transportation Board.

Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler says he thinks all Senate Republicans can support the bill. He wants to have a vote on it by next week.

As part of the deal, Democrats will be allowed to put up some amendments and have a longer debate on the bill.

The Senate will begin work on the bill Thursday.