Roads Bill Heading to Governor’s Desk

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ Legislators have given final approval to legislation designed to jumpstart improvements to South Carolina’s deteriorating roadways.

The House’s 109-2 vote Wednesday sends the compromise to Gov. Nikki Haley.

Rep. Gary Simrill of Rock Hill encouraged his colleagues to accept what senators passed late Tuesday, saying it comes down to not allowing another session to end without a roads bills.

The measure allows for $2 billion in borrowing over 10 years for infrastructure, funded with $200 million annually in existing fees and vehicle sales taxes.

With just one day left in the legislative session, the remaining dispute between the House and Senate had been the appointing process for Department of Transportation commissioners. The bill gives the governor more input in selecting commissioners, but commissioners would hire the DOT secretary.