Committee promises comprehensive SC road fix

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A legislative committee promises it will come up with a comprehensive plan to get South Carolina’s roads into better shape.

The 13-member bipartisan committee created by Senate and House leaders met for the first time Tuesday.

Chairman Rep. Gary Simrill says the group will consider a range of options, both to raise more money and run the state Department of Transportation more efficiently. The Rock Hill Republican says just raising the state’s gas tax is not the answer with vehicles becoming more fuel efficient.

Acting House Speaker Jay Lucas told the committee that unless something changes, lawmakers will just be managing the decay of South Carolina’s road system.

The committee heard Tuesday from DOT employees and from agencies that collect taxes and issue bonds.

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