PROPOSED 2026 TRANSPORTATION REFERENDUM (2026)
Penny Tax Overview
Beaufort County is experiencing significant population growth, placing increased demand on transportation infrastructure across the region. In response, the County Council established the 2026 Transportation Advisory Committee to evaluate community needs and develop recommendations for potential transportation investments.
The Committee is composed of 15 residents representing each Council District and local municipality. Their role is to engage the community and provide recommendations on priority transportation projects, funding levels, and the potential duration of a proposed Transportation Sales Tax referendum.
Purpose of the Initiative
The proposed Transportation Sales Tax is intended to fund critical infrastructure improvements that support safety, mobility, and connectivity throughout Beaufort County. Projects under consideration include roadway expansions, intersection improvements, resurfacing, and paving projects aimed at addressing current and future transportation demands.
Current Status
The Transportation Advisory Committee has completed its review and submitted recommendations to County Council. Those recommendations are currently advancing through the Council review process in preparation for a potential 2026 referendum.
More detailed information about the Committee, proposed projects, and project timelines can be found in the sections below.
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Proposed Project List
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Transportation Advisory Committee
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Project Timeline
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FAQs
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Resources
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Contact the Committee
Proposed County-Wide Infrastructure Projects
At this time, the Committee has concluded their work sessions and public input meetings and have made their recommendations to Beaufort County Council, who will vote on accepting the proposal on May 26, 2026.
To view the entire presentation and memo from the Committee please click HERE.
The Committee recommends a proposed nine-year Transportation Sales Tax program with an estimated value of approximately $780 million. The program is organized into three primary project categories:
- Safety And Intersection Improvement Projects – $326 million
- Widening Projects – $205 million
- Resurfacing And Dirt Road Paving Projects – $249 million
Recommended Safety and Intersection Improvement Projects
| Project | Allocation |
| Ribaut Rd/ Lady’s Island Dr- Turn Lane Construction | $4,800,000 |
| Traffic Signal Improvements | $19,075,000 |
| SC 170/US 278 Diverging Diamond Interchange | $18,054,000 |
| Squire Pope/William Hilton Pkwy Improvements | $14,400,000 |
| Ribaut Road Corridor Improvement (City of Beaufort)SC 170/US 278 Diverging Diamond Interchange | $28,370,000 |
| Lady’s Island Dr/Meridian Rd Improvements | $8,164,000 |
| US 21 Improvements at Chowan Creek | $3,850,000 |
| SC 170/SC 46 Intersection Conversion | $10,237,000 |
| SC 462 Realignment | $19,760,000 |
| SC 170 Corridor Improvements N.O.B. | $6,200,000 |
| Spanish Wells/William Hilton Pkwy Improvements | $39,700,000 |
| Savannah Hwy & SC 170 Improvements | $1,020,000 |
| Warsaw Island Rd | $4,550,000 |
| Bluffton Pkwy/SC46 Roundabout Improvements | $6,000,000 |
| B.E Wheatley Dr/Robert Smalls Pkwy SignalSC 462 Realignment | $1,540,000 |
| US 278/Sun City Signal Improvements | $2,623,000 |
| US 278 & Buck Island Rd | $1,800,000 |
| Ribaut Rd/Depot Rd Intersection | $3,750,000 |
| Gumtree Rd Improvements | $15,600,000 |
| US 278 & Simmonsville Rd | $2,220,000 |
| Bluffton Pkwy Improvements | $7,130,000 |
| Gateway to Port Royal (Ribaut Rd) | $19,360,000 |
| Gibbet Rd Signal | $4,075,000 |
| Grober Hill Rd/Parris Island Gtwy Intersection | $1,190,000 |
Recommended Widening Projects
| Project | Allocation | Description |
| SC 170 | $103,840,000 | From US 278 to SC 462. |
| SC 46 | $44,170,000 | From the SC 170 roundabout to the Jasper County line. |
| US 278 | $51,984,000 | From SC 170 to the Jasper County line. |
| Neil Rd Intersection Improvements | $4,650,000 | New signalized intersection at Neil Rd and Robert Smalls Pkwy |
Recommended Resurfacing and Dirt Road Paving Projects
| Project | Allocation | Description |
| Dirt Road Paving | $12,381,521 | 18 County dirt roads with available right-of-way. See attached. |
| Municipal Roads – City of Beaufort | $6,721,000 | City of Beaufort-owned paved streets. See attached. |
| Municipal Roads – Town of Port Royal | $1,034,000 | Town of Port Royal-owned paved streets. See attached. |
| Municipal Roads – Town of HHI | $8,272,000 | Town of HHI-owned paved streets. See attached. |
| Municipal Roads – Town of Bluffton | $3,877,500 | Town of Bluffton-owned paved streets. See attached. |
| Daufuskie Island Roads | $7,619,437 | 5 County-owned paved roads on Daufuskie Island. See attached. |
| Trask Parkway (US 17) | $12,542,000 | From the Jasper County line to US 21 at Garden’s Corner. |
| Trask Parkway (US 21 | $46,708,500 | From US 17 at Garden’s Corner to Wood’s Memorial Bridge, Lady’s Island Dr, and Ribaut Rd (Port Royal section) |
| Sea Island Parkway (US 21) | $11,700,000 | From the Lady’s Island Walmart area to the Harbor Island Bridge. |
| Sams Point Road (SC 802) | $5,319,300 | From Sea Island Parkway to the roundabout. |
| Parris Island Gateway (US 21) | $12,292,500 | Trask Pkwy to Bell Bridge |
| Savannah Hwy (SC 128) | $4,867,200 | From SC 170 to Parris Island Gateway. |
| Robert Smalls Parkway (SC 170) | $42,073,200 | From Boundary Street to SC 462 and from US 278 to SC 46 at the roundabout. |
| Buckwalter Parkway | $10,099,700 | From US 278 to SC 46. |
| Bluffton Parkway | $14,661,600 | From SC 170 to Buck Island Road and from Red Cedar Rd to the US 278 flyover bridge. |
| Fording Island Road (US 278) | $27,096,400 | From SC 170 to the Hilton Head Island bridge. |
| William Hilton Parkway (US 278 Business) | $21,294,000 | From the Hilton Head Island bridge to Sea Pines Circle. |
The 15 County residents appointed to the committee were chosen for their commitment to engage the community and protect the County while determining the best way to invest in projects that meet our growing transportation needs. They represent each of the 11 County Council districts and one from the County’s four municipalities: City of Beaufort, Town of Port Royal, Town of Bluffton, and Town of Hilton Head Island.
Lisa Sulka – Chair, Town of Bluffton
Lisa Sulka has been a proud resident of the Bluffton/Hilton Head Island area for over 40 years. Originally from Prosperity, South Carolina, she attended Clemson University before moving to Hilton Head Island.
Lisa launched and successfully ran her own business for 15 years, which paved the way for her involvement in real estate. She is currently with William Raveis Real Estate, specializing in Bluffton and Hilton Head properties.
Lisa’s deep community ties are reflected in her extensive civic involvement. She served as the Mayor of Bluffton for 16 years and holds positions on numerous boards and commissions, including the Heritage Classic Foundation, the Clemson University Board of Visitors, Coastal Community Development Corporation, Historic Preservation Commission and Bluffton/Jasper Volunteers in Medicine.
Learn more about Lisa here.
Glenn Stanford – Vice Chair, Town of Hilton Head
Originally from Atlanta, GA, Mr. Stanford attended University of Georgia and earned his JD at Emory University. After practicing law in Atlanta, he relocated to Hilton Head and has been active in many community organizations.
Mr. Stanford served as consultant to the Beaufort County Rural and Critical Lands program, Hilton Head Board of Zoning Appeals, Hilton Head Planning Commission, and was elected to Town Council for several terms. He resides in Hilton Head Plantation, attends First Presbyterian Church and is an active member with Rotary Club of Hilton Head Island.
Learn more about Glenn here.
Joy Coe – Secretary, District 8
Ms. Coe was born and raised in Beaufort and currently resides in Bluffton. She attended the University of SC and graduated with a BS degree in Finance, Management, and Marketing (cum laude). After taking additional CPA classes her career included working in the field of public/private accounting and is currently a Controller in a private firm.
This is her first placement on a Committee, and she is excited to bring her passion for community service to Beaufort County.
Learn more about Joy here.
Joseph Kline, District 1
Mr. Kline is a retired Senior Data Analyst from the Savannah Chatham County School District. He previously served as District 1 Representative to Beaufort County Council and as a Magistrate Judge for Beaufort County Summary Court. He has been the recipient of numerous humanitarian and community service awards.
His community leadership roles include Mount Carmel Baptist Church Leadership Council, Board of Director at Beaufort Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission, Sheldon Township Pathways and was named Who’s Who Among Black Americans.
Learn more about Joseph here.
Paul Trask, District 2
Learn about Paul here.
Anthony Jones, District 3
Anthony (Tony) M. Jones is a lifelong resident of Saint Helena Island, South Carolina, and a proud Gullah/Geechee descendant. He and his wife, Belinda, are the owners of Morning Glory Homestead Farm, LLC, a sustainable and regenerative agritourism farm also located on Saint Helena Island. The farm is dedicated to preserving and teaching agricultural practices passed down from their ancestors, while also educating visitors—both children and adults—about local history, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship.
Mr. Jones is a certified local Master Naturalist, and is actively engaged in local civic and environmental issues, with a particular passion for protecting and advancing the cultural, historical, and natural resources of Saint Helena Island and Beaufort County as a whole.
Learn more about Tony here.
Elizabeth Sanders, District 4
Elizabeth brings deep local knowledge and a strong commitment to public service to the Beaufort County Transportation Advisory Committee. As the former SCDOT Beaufort County Resident Maintenance Engineer, she has spent years driving the roads of Beaufort County, meeting with residents, and listening directly to the concerns and needs of communities across the county. That firsthand experience gives her a unique perspective on the transportation challenges and opportunities facing the region.
She joined the TAC to help shape a safer, more connected future for Beaufort County. She is a 20 year resident having lived both north and south of the Broad. She has a Civil Engineering degree from The Citadel and is currently a Resident Construction Manager at Davis and Floyd.
Representing District 4, she is focused on advancing impactful, safety‑driven projects. She is also committed to planning ahead for future growth, where rising population density will require proactive congestion relief and mobility enhancements.
She believes the best way to communicate the value of these projects is by connecting them to everyday benefits: safer travel, shorter commutes, better access to jobs and healthcare, and reduced wear and tear on vehicles. Investing now prevents higher costs later and supports a stronger local economy and a more resilient transportation network.
Learn more about Elizabeth here.
Jerry Reeves, District 5
A graduate of Bluffton High School and Presbyterian College, Mr. Reeves grew up on the May River and moved to Savannah before returning home to Okatie. He is currently part owner and General Sales Manager of Resorts Services, Inc. RSI is a commercial linen supply company serving the medical, hospitality and restaurant sectors in Charleston, Beaufort, Bluffton, Savannah, Brunswick and Statesboro and points in between. Because of his travel, he’s witnessed first hand the explosive growth and how it has impacted County highways due in part, to the lack of infrastructure planning.
Learn more about Jerry here.
Craig Forrest, District 6
Born in Baltimore, MD, Mr. Forrest attending Towson University before beginning his career with Maryland State Highway Administration and then moving to Maryland Department of Transportation. His career then shifted closer to home as Director of Transportation Planning for Baltimore County where he represented the County Executive on regional transportation issues and supervised the County’s multi-modal transportation objectives.
Upon retirement, he relocated to Beaufort County and over the years has served on several transportation-related citizen advisory boards including Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority, SC Department of Transportation Commission, Transportation Infrastructure Task Force Chair, Lowcountry Area Transportation Study (LATS), Greater Island Council Transportation Chair, Beaufort County Capital Sales Tax Commission Chair, and the US 278 Gateway Corridor Committee.
Learn more about Craig here.
Bill Rickett, District 7
Before retiring in 2013 and moving to Bluffton Mr. Rickett served nearly 15 years as Executive Director with Bucks County Transportation Management Association in Pennsylvania. The goal was to improve safety conditions on county highways as well as increase public access to public transportation options.
Previously, he was Director of Administration for the Mercer County (NJ) Improvement Authority where he provided construction expertise for public government projects. The Authority used county bonds to construct, among other things, a solid waste and recycling transfer station, a minor league baseball stadium and several other public buildings including firehouses.
Mr. Rickett was also a volunteer firefighter for 25 years and radio news personality after college.
Learn more about Bill here.
Matt Harden, District 9
Matt Harden is a native Carolinian, holding a B.S.B.A. from the University of North Carolina. Since moving to Bluffton in 2003, he’s worked in construction management on projects throughout SC, FL, CO, and CA. He’s currently the Area Manager for a custom home builder’s Bluffton/HHI/Beaufort division, and he likes to hunt and fish.
Learn more about Matt here.
Charles Perry, District 10
Mr. Perry received his BA in Political Science and Economics from Hampden Sydney College and going on to earn his JD from Alabama’s Samford University. He served as Assistant US Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama before moving to the Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) as Regional Counsel/Assistant Regional Counsel.
He went into private practice working for several Atlanta, GA firms with an expertise in litigation, transactions, and insurance related to environmental law. His community service includes Windmill Harbour Association Traffic Committee, Beaufort County Sales Tax Committee and Beaufort County Transportation Committee.
Learn more about Charles here.
Jennifer Ericksen, District 11
Mrs. Ericksen is currently a resident of Hilton Head Island where she lives with her husband and two children. Her community service began local—within the Sea Pines Community where she lived at the time—when owners were invited to volunteer on several community improvement committees including the Gate, Community Standards and Short Term Rentals. She most recently served on the Sea Pines Board of Directors.
After attending college in Washington State, her career began in Event Management. Mrs. Ericksen spent time in Hollywood, CA and became a successful partner in an agency that provided hair, makeup and wardrobe services. After settling back in the Lowcountry, she has volunteered with business clubs, youth programs, and mission trips.
Grady Woods, City of Beaufort
Mr. Woods is a registered architect residing in Beaufort, and is a member of the American Institute of Architects & National Council of Architectural Registration Board. Currently licensed to practice architecture in six states throughout the Southeast, he has completed a very diverse range of projects including custom homes, clubhouses, civic and commercial buildings.
Mr. Woods has worked in private practice and with a large corporate firm, but prefers the personal relationship with his clients that a smaller boutique style firm affords. Locally, his projects include the Harbour Town Clubhouse voted the Most Beautiful Clubhouse in South Carolina and Golf Inc. Magazines Best New Clubhouse in 2016.
He earned a Bachelor and Master’s degree from the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) and has served as an adjunct professor in the Architecture Department. He was an elected official for over 16 years and serves on many boards and commissions, including Southern Carolina Alliance and City of Beaufort Historic District Review Board.
Gary Freeman, Town of Port Royal
Mr. Freeman attended Auburn University where he earned a BS in Civil Engineering. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Water Works Association, Water Environment Association of South Carolina, and the Water Environmental Federation. His experience includes water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, civil/site design, port/marine terminal design, and regulatory negotiation and compliance.
Project experience includes Table Rock Raw Water Transition Main, Cross town Potable Water Transmission Main, Wappoo Road Water Main, Palmetto Bluff’s Utility Master Plan, Isle of Palms Carolina Boulevard Water Main Replacement and North Charleston’s Wastewater Treatment Plan Disinfection System to name just a few.
Learn more about Gary here.
About the Proposed 2026 Referendum
What is the “Penny Tax” and what does it pay for?
It’s the common nickname for the proposed 2026 Transportation Sales and Use Tax Referendum. If approved by voters, it would add a one-cent (1%) sales tax to fund a defined list of transportation projects across Beaufort County.
This tax must be approved by voters through a referendum and would be no more than nine years — with a stated sunset date of 2034 — or until approximately $780 million in revenue is collected, whichever comes first.
What would voters actually decide on the November 2026 ballot?
Two related measures:
Question 1 asks voters to approve a one-cent sales tax, in effect for no more than nine years — with a stated sunset date of 2034 — or until approximately $780 million in revenue is collected, whichever comes first. These funds go towards specific, voter-approved projects. Beaufort County has circled improvements for safety at traffic intersections, road widening, and resurfacing as projects for this tax.
Question 2 asks voters to approve related general obligation bonds of up to $450 million, payable from the sales tax, to help fund completion of the transportation projects. This would allow design and construction of projects to begin sooner
How would this change the sales tax rate residents and shoppers pay?
Beaufort County’s current combined sales tax rate is 6% (the state’s 6% base rate, with no additional county tax currently in effect following the County’s Green Space Sales Tax expiring on March 1, 2025). If the 2026 measure is approved, the rate would rise to 7% within the county.
How is a sales tax different from a property tax?
A property tax is assessed based on the value of property owned and is paid only by property owners. A sales tax is generated from retail purchases, meaning the cost is shared by both residents and visitors who shop in the county — not property owners alone.
Who would pay this tax?
Anyone making a taxable retail purchase within Beaufort County — including full-time residents, part-time or seasonal residents, commuters, and visitors.
What would I be taxed on?
The sales tax would be levied on most retail purchases, with some exceptions. The exceptions include rent and mortgage payments, gas, unprepared foods, and medical prescriptions and supplies.
What projects would the penny tax funds go towards?
The nine-year Transportation Sales Tax program is estimated to generate approximately $780 million in revenue for these projects. They will be organized into three primary categories:
- Safety and Intersection Improvement Projects: $326 million
- Road Widening Projects: $205 million
- Resurfacing and Dirt Road Paving Projects: $249 million
Highlighted projects include $14.4 million towards improvements to the intersection of Squire Pope and William Hilton Pkwy, a $4.8 million turn lane at Ribaut Road and Lady’s Island Drive, and $103.8 million to widen SC 170 from US 278 to SC 462.
These projects are intended to address major capacity and mobility needs in high-growth corridors and areas of Beaufort experiencing significant transportation demand. A full list of the planned improvements can be found here.
Who developed the proposed project list?
The 2026 Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) — 15 Beaufort County residents appointed under County Council Resolution 2025/70, representing all 11 County Council districts plus the City of Beaufort, Town of Port Royal, Town of Bluffton, and Town of Hilton Head Island. The Committee’s recommendations were submitted to County Council, which is scheduled to vote on accepting the proposal on May 26, 2026.
What happened with the 2024 transportation tax referendum?
In November 2024, Beaufort County voters considered a similar transportation sales tax referendum, originally proposed at $950 million over 10 years. It was not approved. County Council subsequently established the 2026 Transportation Advisory Committee to review community transportation needs and develop a new proposal.
Where can residents find official, up-to-date information or ask a question?
The County’s official Penny Tax website (beaufortcountypenny.com), which includes the full FAQ, ballot language, the itemized project list, and the interactive “Potential 2026 Sales Tax Projects” map, along with the campaign’s question submission form for questions not yet covered.
About the 2018 Transportation Sales Tax & Its Projects
What was the 2018 Transportation Sales Tax?
In 2018, Beaufort County voters approved a one-cent transportation sales tax, which took effect May 1, 2019. As structured, it was set to run until it raised $120 million or for four years, whichever came first.
What did the 2018 tax fund?
Roughly $80 million for improvements along the US 278 corridor to Hilton Head Island, $30 million for Lady’s Island-area improvements, and $10 million for sidewalk and multi-use pathway projects.
What’s the status of the 2018 Sales Tax Projects?
Beaufort County is committed to finishing the majority of the scheduled transportation projects by the end of 2028. As of the most recent public update, the County is committed to completing the majority of scheduled 2018 projects by the end of 2028, with the exception of the US 278 Corridor Project — which will replace aging Hilton Head Island bridge spans to improve safety and hurricane evacuation reliability — targeted for completion by 2031.
Of the projects remaining, 44% are in design, 33% are in right-of-way acquisition, and 22% are under construction. Two projects are under construction or recently completed, four additional projects are scheduled to break ground in 2026, and 9 remaining pathway projects are set to be complete by 2028. By the end of 2026, all remaining projects are expected to have entered the Right-of-Way acquisition phase.
Why have some 2018 projects taken longer than expected to complete?
While we know these timelines seem far away, it’s important to note that infrastructure projects take a long time to develop. Even the most straightforward projects (such as pathways) have the same steps of design, permitting through state and federal agencies, property acquisition and utility coordination.
Beaufort County’s collection time is much faster than the implementation time for most projects. The Boundary Street Improvement project was completed 13 years after the 2006 sales tax began and 7 years after the collection finished.
Are the 2018 and proposed 2026 taxes the same funding source, or separate?
They are separate, legally distinct funding measures with their own project lists and timelines. Some proposed 2026 projects are described as supplementing work in corridors that also received 2018 funding — for example, further US 278 corridor improvements — but the funding sources themselves are not merged or interchangeable.
How can residents check the status of a specific 2018 project?
The County maintains a projects page listing all 2018-referendum projects, including design teams, current phase, and status updates, refreshed periodically as work progresses.