Richland County voters have opted to extend the county’s 1 percent special sales and use tax, also known as the “Transportation Penny,” which will continue to fund essential transportation infrastructure improvements. Originally imposed in 2012, this tax is on track to reach its revenue cap of $1.07 billion by late 2026. With voter approval in the 2024 general election, the tax will now continue for an additional 25 years or until it collects up to $4.5 billion.
The funds generated will support three main areas: community investment (48%), county advancement (30%), and COMET public transit projects (22%). This extension is an addition to the ongoing tax and will allow for the prioritization of unfinished projects from the initial Transportation Penny, followed by new projects identified in a recent transportation needs assessment.
Richland County Council Chair Jesica Mackey highlighted the council’s collective support for the referendum, emphasizing the tax’s importance for continued infrastructure improvements and public transit support in a rapidly growing county.
In addition, voters approved $950 million in general obligation bonds, enabling quicker project starts. Projects will be prioritized based on a scoring system that evaluates factors such as additional funding, impact on safety, economic development potential, public support, and improvement of blighted conditions.
