Public Comment Period Open for TIGER Grant Projects

A rendering of how a section of Boundary Street could look  after redevelopment is completed. (The Beaufort Digitel)

The US Department of Transportation has awarded two Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grants to projects in Beaufort and Orangeburg counties. The Boundary Street Redevelopment Project and I-95/US 301 Interchange Improvements projects have each received over $12 million dollars as a result of these awards, and SCDOT is now seeking public comment on both awards prior to considering them for inclusion in the South Carolina Transportation Improvement Program.

TIGER Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to projects that have a significant impact on a metropolitan area or region. The Boundary Street Project would bring a complete street to the city of Beaufort and create a more scenic entry to the city. Because designing commercial areas for vehicular access only limits the potential for success, the Beaufort Redevelopment Commission has recognized that the city must grow to be accessible to all. Part of the intent of the redevelopment project to create commercial nodes along Boundary Street that can be safely reached by foot, bicycle, baby strollers, wheelchairs and vehicles.

This TIGER Grant will jump start the project and be matched by $13.7 million local funds leveraged by a voter-approved penny sales tax. As Boundary Street grows and brings more economic benefit to the city, this redevelopment will help create a more liveable community by making it easier to bike and walk around the city. We encourage you to have a real impact on this project by submitting your comments to SCDOT. The comment period will end on May 22, so make sure your voice is heard before then!