Proposed 2026 Transportation Referendum – Beaufort County One Cent Sales Tax Program

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 reported back to Council with their recommendation, which Council has moved forward to the ballot as Ordinance 2026/30.

If approved, the measure would tax 1% of most retail purchases (excluding medication, gas, rent and mortgages, utilities, and unprepared foods/groceries) to collect $780 million over the course of nine years. The tax would end when the nine years end, or when the full amount is collected, whichever occurs first.

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. The proposed project list includes roadway expansions, intersection improvements, resurfacing, and paving projects aimed at addressing current and future transportation demands.

The funds raised by the Penny Tax goes towards specific, voter-approved projects as shown on the ballot question. This referendum targets improved safety at traffic intersections, road-widening projects, and road resurfacing.

Current Status

The Council has now approved the Ordinance and the referendum will appear on the 2026 Ballot. A second ballot question authorizing bonding to begin projects more quickly is also included. The amount bonded is not an additional tax, nor does it add to the total collection.

More detailed information about the proposed projects, FAQs, and additional resources can be found in the sections below.

View the Ordinance and Ballot Questions

Recommended Safety and Intersection Improvement Projects

Project	Allocation	Description
Ribaut Rd/ Lady’s Island Dr- Turn Lane Construction	$4,800,000	Installation of free-flow right turn lanes Eastbound and Westbound
Traffic Signal Improvements	$19,075,000	Improvements to the Beaufort County traffic signal network including the evaluation, design, and implementation of an adaptive signal network on recommended corridors from Kimley-Horn memo dated April 6, 2026 including Bluffton Parkway, Buckwalter Parkway, US 278 (Argent Boulevard to Moss Creek Dr), Boundary St (SC 170 to Ribaut Road), and Ribaut Road (Boundary Street to Lady’s Island Dr). A traffic signal asset evaluation will be performed to identify the infrastructure and condition of signal assets throughout the County and recommend improvements recommendations. Improvements may include signal retiming and hardware replacement (cabinet, controller, wiring, signal heads, back plates, or detection). Detection upgrades to radar or camera detection may also be included.
SC 170/US 278 Diverging Diamond Interchange	$18,054,000	Construct a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) below existing US 278. Provide dual lefts along SC 170 onto US 278 eastbound and widen the on-ramp as needed. Construct dual westbound left-turn lanes from US 278 Westbound Off Ramp onto SC 170. Construct dual westbound right-turn lanes from the US 278 Westbound Off-ramp onto SC 170. Construct a westbound right-turn slip lane onto SC 170 northbound that will continue into the right-turn lane at Commerce Place West / Commerce Place East.
Squire Pope/William Hilton Pkwy Improvements	$14,400,000	This project aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion at this Island Gateway Corridor intersection while enhancing safety for all travel modes. It restructures lanes
Ribaut Road Corridor Improvement (City of Beaufort)	$28,370,000	Corridor improvement on 4-lane section of Ribaut Road from Boundary Street to Lady’s Island Drive including intersection improvements at the intersection of Ribaut Road and Boundary Street, pedestrian accommodations, and resurfacing the entire corridor.
Lady’s Island Dr/Meridian Rd Improvements	$8,164,000	Realign and convert two stop-controlled T-intersections along Lady’s Island Drive into a dual-lane peanut roundabout approximately 500 feet long from Islands Causeway to Meridian Road. Widen roadway for channelization and relocation of existing through lanes and pedestrian accommodations for the peanut roundabout. Construct new pedestrian facilities on the southbound approach.
US 21 Improvements at Chowan Creek	$3,850,000	Improvement on a 3-lane section of US 21 at Chowan Creek from 750 feet south of Chowan Creek Bluff to 500 feet north of Warsaw Island Road. Project identified in the 2025 Beaufort County Roadway Vulnerability Study-Phase 1 by HDR.
SC 170/SC 46 Intersection Conversion	$10,237,000	Convert existing roundabout to a traffic signal with pedestrian accommodations. Construct dual left turn lanes for eastbound, westbound, and northbound approaches. Remove existing channelized right turns for eastbound, westbound, and southbound movements.
SC 462 Realignment	$19,760,000	Relocate SC 462 eastward from BJWSA Canal to SC 170 to better align the intersection and remove from curve tangent along SC 170 as depicted in 2024 Realignment Concept by Kimley Horn and SC 170 Corridor Access Study Final Report by AECOM. Project includes new intersection at SC 170 and new roundabout at intersection with SC 46.
SC 170 Corridor Improvements N.O.B.	$6,200,000	Corridor improvements shown on the 2024 LCOG Safety Action Plan including extending the existing raised medians between Boundary Street and Neil Road and also between Burton Hill Road and Old Jerico Road to include Lowes, converting Shadow Moss Dr to ¾ access intersection, addition of raised medians at Edgar C Glenn boat ramp, upgrading existing signals along the corridor, and addition of new signal at Broad River Road.
Spanish Wells/William Hilton Pkwy Improvements	$39,700,000	The project will upgrade this major Island Gateway Corridor intersection to improve mobility, reduce delays, and strengthen connections to nearby neighborhoods, schools, and commercial areas. Safety is enhanced through reduced conflict points and improved visibility.
Savannah Hwy & SC 170 Improvements	$1,020,000	Construct raised medians at SC 170 and Savannah Highway to prohibit left-turn movements from the Circle K driveways as shown on 2024 LCOG Safety Action Plan.
Warsaw Island Rd	$4,550,000	Improvements to raise grade to avoid flooding. Project identified in the 2025 Beaufort County Roadway Vulnerability Study-Phase 1 by HDR.
Bluffton Pkwy/SC46 Roundabout Improvements	$6,000,000	Convert the existing 2×2 roundabout to a 2×1 roundabout with appropriate right-turn bypass lanes as shown in the Concept Designs by Mead and Hunt, 2024 LCOG Safety Action Plan and 2025 LATS Bluffton Parkway Corridor Study.
B.E Wheatley Dr/Robert Smalls Pkwy SignalSC 462 Realignment	$1,540,000	Mast arm intersection.
US 278/Sun City Signal Improvements	$2,623,000	Remove channelization for right turns from both Sun City Blvd approaches onto US 278. Reconfigure eastbound and westbound left-turn lanes with an increased positive offset to improve sight distance on US 278. Install nearside signal heads on both US 278 approaches. Implement westbound left-turn protected-only signal phasing on US 278. Offset left-turn lanes on Sun City approaches to improve site distance.
US 278 & Buck Island Rd	$1,800,000	Pedestrian Intersection Improvement Project to include Rephasing, timing and line arrangements. Modify Buck Island Rd for 2 north-bound left turns, one thru and one right.
Ribaut Rd/Depot Rd Intersection	$3,750,000	Construct intersection improvement/roundabout at intersection of Ribaut Road and Depot Road. Remove or improve existing signal.
Gumtree Rd Improvements	$15,600,000	This corridor project focuses on improving safety and functionality through upgraded intersections, improved pathways, and better pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. It aims to enhance school access and neighborhood connectivity.
US 278 & Simmonsville Rd	$2,220,000	Intersection Improvement Project to include Rephasing, timing and line arrangements. Modify Simmonsville Rd for 2 northbound left turns, one thru and one right.
Bluffton Pkwy Improvements	$7,130,000	Bluffton Parkway 0–5-year Q2 & Q3 improvements from LATS Corridor Study. • Q2 (Buckwalter Pkwy & Bluffton Pkwy from Buckwalter Pkwy to Buck Isalnd Rd) improvements– Signal warrant and timing review along the corridor, rumble strips along Buckwalter Parkway, RIRO at Pinecrest Drive, mid-block ped crossing with beacon at Cross School Entrance. • Q3 (Bluffton Pkwy from Buck Isalnd Rd to Burnt Church Road) Improvements – Signal warrant and timing review along the corridor, improve signing at Bluffton road Roundabout, RIRO at Goethe Road, Intersection modifications at Buck Island, Simmonsville and Burnt Church; Access management at Bluffton Park, Crescent and Persimmon.
Gateway to Port Royal (Ribaut Rd)	$19,360,000	Access management and pathway improvements on Ribaut Road from Paris Island Gateway to Lady’s Island Drive. Includes median islands, a new shared use pathway, and local road connections.
Gibbet Rd Signal	$4,075,000	Install a Traffic Signal with pedestrian accommodations. Widen the roadway for the construction of a new eastbound left-turn lane onto Gibbet Road, a westbound left-turn lane onto Pritchard Farms Road, a westbound right-turn lane onto Gibbet Road, and a southbound right turn lane onto SC 46. Install new stop bar pavement markings.
Grober Hill Rd/Parris Island Gtwy Intersection	$1,190,000	Addition of traffic signal at intersection of Grober Hill Road and Parris Island Gateway.
High Visibility Crosswalks and Rapid Flashing Beacons (Downtown Beaufort)	$2,873,000	Upgrade existing unsignalized pedestrian crossings at the intersections of US 21 Business/Boundary Street/Carteret Street with Port Republic Street, North Street, King Street, Prince Street, Duke Street, Washington Street, Congress Street, and Church Street and the intersections of Bay Street with Newcastle Street, West Street, and Scott Street (11 total crossings) to include high-visibility markings, W11-2 signage, and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB), as appropriate.
Short’s Landing Signal	$1,320,000	Addition of traffic signal at intersection of Shorts Landing Road and Sams Point Road as depicted in Stantec Shorts Landing Road Concept, if approved by SCDOT.
Sea Pines Circle	$15,600,000	Sea Pines Circle improvements aim to reduce congestion at the major roundabout while enhancing multimodal safety and improving travel reliability for residents and visitors. The project includes measures to reduce conflict points and improve visibility.
Evans Way/SC 170 Signalized Reduced Conflict Intersection	$7,878,000	Construct a signalized reduced conflict intersection with pedestrian accommodations. Construct northbound and southbound, unsignalized U-Turn lanes along SC 170. Modify the westbound and eastbound approaches to accommodate dual right-turn lanes onto SC 170.
Right-in/Right-out at Bluffton Parkway/Goethe Road	$1,220,000	Close median access on Bluffton Parkway at Goethe Road to eliminate all left turn movements to and from Goethe Road onto and off of Bluffton Parkway, as shown on 2024 LCOG Safety Action Plan and 2025 LATS Bluffton Parkway Corridor Study.
Median Closings US 278	$1,345,000	Close the median at the following 5 intersections along US 278: Lost Oaks Drive, Eagle Pointe Drive, Pinckney Colony Road, McDonald’s/Circle K Driveway, and Parmenter Road to provide 3/4 access. Realign and restripe side streets to provide right turns only as needed.
Old Jericho Rd Bridge Replacement	$1,710,000	Replace bridge on Old Jericho Road about ¼ mile south of SC 170. Include sidewalks on both sides for future development.
Goethe Rd Resurfacing/Traffic Calming	$420,000	Corridor improvement on Goethe Road from May River Road to Hilderbrand Road as depicted in the Proposed Plans for Goethe Road Improvements by Consor. Includes resurfacing and addition of curb and gutter, catch basins, and sidewalk.
Main Street Road Improvements	$9,500,000	The project enhances a parallel corridor to William Hilton Parkway to help reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and create safer travel for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. It includes safety-focused lane and visibility improvements.
Grober Hill Rd Corridor Improvements	$8,310,000	Corridor improvement on 3-lane section of Grober Hill Road from Castle Rock Road to Parris Island Gateway. Construct dual lefts from Parris Island Gateway to Grober Hill Road and from Grober Hill Road onto Parris Island Gateway. Includes intersection geometry improvements to bring geometry closer to ninety degrees. Pavement will be placed for future dual lefts.
William Hilton Pkwy- Chaplin Corridor	$9,100,000	This project improves traffic flow and safety along a key portion of William Hilton Parkway by reconfiguring lanes and reducing conflict points. It supports mobility for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Stardust Lane Traffic Signal	$811,000	Install a Traffic Signal with pedestrian accommodations. At intersection of Stardust Lane and SC 46.
Buckwalter Pkwy (HE McCracken Cir Section)	$4,340,000	Improvements near school complex to include traffic signal at intersection with HE McCracken North to include U- turn for buses. HE McCracken North to include access to Buckwalter Recreation Center. Close median at existing access to Buckwalter Recreation Center. Limit left turn egress at Buckwalter Recreation Center and HE McCracken Middle School. Include U-turn for buses at intersection with HE McCracken South.
Joe Frazier Road Roundabout	$4,642,000	Construct a new single-lane roundabout between Joe Frazier Road and Middleton Recreation Drive. Construct new connector roads to connect Joe Frazier Road with Middleton Recreation Drive and future connection to Habersham Road. Widen roadway for channelization and relocation of existing through lanes for the roundabout. Remove access to and cul-de-sac Needles Road.
Laurel Bay Road/Joe Frazier Road Roundabout	$5,326,000	Convert intersection between Joe Frazier Road and Laurel Bay Road into a single-lane roundabout. Widen roadways for channelization and relocation of existing through lanes for the roundabout. Remove existing eastbound slip lane and westbound turn lanes along Laurel Bay Road. Remove existing northbound left-turn lane along Joe Frazier Road. Remove or relocate frontage road access as appropriate to accommodate roundabout operations.
Laurel Bay Road/Bay Pines Road Roundabout	$4,331,000	Convert intersection between Laurel Bay Road and Bay Pines Road into a single-lane roundabout. Widen roadways for channelization and relocation of existing through lanes for the roundabout. Remove or relocate frontage road access as appropriate to accommodate roundabout operations.
Shanklin Rd Reduced Conflict Intersection	$690,000	Intersection improvement at Shanklin Road and US 21. Eliminate left turn movement from Shanklin Road. Include U-turn at Kimes Avenue. No raised median on US 21. Project included in 2025 US 21 Corridor Study by HDR.
Roseida Road Reduced Conflict Intersection	$850,000	Intersection improvement at Roseida Road and US 21. Eliminate left turn movements from Roseida Road and Cavalry Lane. Includes U-turns both Northbound and Southbound. No raised median on US 21. Project included in 2025 US 21 Corridor Study by HDR.
Middle Rd/SC 802 Roundabout Improvements	$1,860,000	Roundabout improvements at intersection of Middle Road and SC 802 as shown in 2024 LCOG Safety Action Plan.
Guardrail on Middle Rd (B/W Doe Rd & Buck Rd)	$140,000	Install approximately 600’ of guardrail at the outside of the horizontal curve, as shown in the LCOG Safety Action Plan.

Recommended Widening Projects

Project	Allocation	Description
SC 170	$103,840,000	Widen SC 170 from US 278 to SC 462 from 4 to 6 lanes. Construct a series of signalized reduced conflict intersections with intermittent U-turn lanes and bulb outs. Implement a shared use path on the western side of SC 170.
SC 46	$44,170,000	Four-lane widening of SC 46 from SC 170 to the New River bridge at the Jasper County line as depicted in the Concept Designs by Mead and Hunt and the 2024 LCOG Safety Action Plan.
US 278	$51,984,000	Widen US 278 from Beaufort County line to SC 170 from 4 to 6 lanes. Implement adaptive signal timing and update all clearance times at signalized intersections using latest standards. Close existing median cuts between main intersections. Improve lighting throughout the study area. Implement intersection improvements at University Boulevard, Community College Drive, Sun City Boulevard, Palmer Grace Drive West.
Neil Rd Intersection Improvements	$4,650,000	Signalized intersection at Neil Road. Fourth leg of intersection accessing Beaufort Station. Realign Spanish Moss Trail to signal.

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: Arum Cir N Briars Creek Rd Comet Ln Creek View Dr Dockside Ln Huspah Creek Dr Judge Island Dr Mr Mcbryde Ln Najas Dr Nyssa Ln O’connor Rd Sandstone Cir Sawgrass Ct Sparkleberry Dr Sugar Hill Landing Rd Sweet Grass Dr Worthington Rd Kline Cir
Municipal Roads – City of Beaufort	$6,721,000	City of Beaufort-owned paved streets: Battery Green Court Bladen Ln Bowling Ln Bray St Broad St Candleberry Ln Capers St Coleman Ln Crofut Ln (alleyway) Dutchess Ln (mid-twn) Elliot St Elton Ln Firehouse Ln Fuller St Hanover Ln Lady Ln (mid-twn) Old Commons Ln (alywy) Old Trail Rd Phillips St Polk St Princess Ln (Mid-twn) Reynolds St Rhett St (dirt) Von Harten St (dirt) Waters Edge Court East Waters Edge Court West Acorn Hill Ave Burton Hill Rd Calhoun St Charles St Church St Church St Lovejoy St Lovejoy Way Morris St Newcastle St North St Old Salem Rd Palmetto Dr Palmetto St Prince St Rodgers Dr Simms St Sycamore St Union St Washington St Westview Ave Otter Circle Ferrets End Wolverine Dr Mustelidae Rd Pine Martin Rd Beavers Den Stone Marten Circle Stone Marten Drive Anchorage Way Battery Chase De La Gaye Point Fiveoaks Cir Islands Ave Island Cir Palmetto Place Plough Place Sunset Court Brighton Ln Cottage Farm Dr Dover Ln Glendale Ln (north) Glendale Ln (south) McChesney Ln Stafford Ln Joshua Circle Joshua Court Craven St New St Port Republic St
Municipal Roads – Town of Port Royal	$1,034,000	Town of Port Royal-owned paved streets: Old Shell Road Tamara Ln Old Fort Rd Berkley Cir Old Shell Ct Laurel St Stuart Towne Ln
Municipal Roads – Town of HHI	$8,272,000	Town of HHI-owned paved streets: o Adrianna Lane o Alex Patterson Road o Arrow Road o Automobile Place o Bayberry Lane o Bayberry Lane o Blazing Star Lane o Bobwhite Lane o C. Heinrichs Circle o Cassina Lane o Castnet Drive o Central Avenue o Chamberlin Drive o Cooperative Way o Dogwood Lane o Dove Street o Dune Lane o Dunnagans Alley o Egret Street o Elderberry Lane o Electric Avenue o Exchange Street o Flamingo Road o Firethorn Lane o Fish Haul Creek Park Common o Fresh Market/Hargray Driveways o Gannet Street o Habitat Circle o Haig Point Circle o Hargray/Frsh Mrkt Drvwy o Heron Street o Hickory Lane o Honey Horn Drive o Hospital Center Boulevard o Humane Way o Indigo Run Drive o Jarvis Park Road o Juniper Lane o Katie Miller Road o Kingbird Lane o Kingfisher Street o Lark Street o Laurel Lane o Lemoyne Avenue o Lagood Road Extension o Mac Donough Lane o Main Street (East Or North Segment) o Main Street (West Segment) o Mallard Street o Mallard Street o Meeting Street o Merchant Street o Mingo Way o Museum Street o Myrtle Lane o Nassau Street o Natures Way o Nighthawk Street o Oak Park Drive o Office Park Road o Osprey Street o Otter Hole Road o Pelican Street o Pelican Street o Power Alley o Quail Street o Queens Way (Whp-Hargray) o Rhiner Drive o Roadrunner Lane o Robin Street o Sandpiper Street o Sandpiper Street o Sea Oak Lane o Summit Drive o Tanglewood Drive o Thompson Street o Town Center Court o Wanderer Lane o Wild Horse Road o Wiley Road
Municipal Roads – Town of Bluffton	$3,877,500	Town of Bluffton-owned paved streets: o Allen St o Boundary St o Bridge St o Buckwalter Place Blvd o Calhoun St o Church St o Colcock St o Cove St o Dr Mellichamp o Dubois Ln o Future Hampton Pkwy o Green St o Guerrard Ave o Hampton Pkwy o Innovation Dr o Lawrence St o Lawton St o Maiden Ln o Pope Ln o Pritchard St o Progressive St o S Innovation Dr o Thomas Heyward St o Water St o Wharf St
Daufuskie Island Roads	$7,619,437	5 County-owned paved roads on Daufuskie Island • Cooper River Landing Rd • Haig Point Rd • Melrose Landing Rd • Old Haig Point Rd • Pappys Landing Rd
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.

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Transportation Advisory Committee

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.

FAQs

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.

Resources

Ask a Question!

November 03, 2026
Election Day
August 15, 2026
State Notification Deadline
August 15, 2026
July 13, 2026
Third Reading of Ordinance
June 22, 2026
Second Reading of Ordinance
June 22, 2026
June 8, 2026
First Reading of the Ordinance
May 26, 2026
Resolution to Accept TAC Recommendations
May 26, 2026
May 11, 2026
Council Discussion
County Council will meet to discuss the recommendations from the Transportation Advisory Committee.
May 6, 2026
Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
The Transportation Advisory Committee will hold its final working meeting before recommendations are due to County Council.

Watch the meeting on BCTV. We’ll update the link here as soon as it’s available.

May 6, 2026
April 22, 2026
Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
The Transportation Advisory Committee will meet to hear from the community and have a working meeting.

Watch the meeting on BCTV. We’ll update the link here as soon as it’s available.
April 1, 2026
Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
The Transportation Advisory Committee will meet to hear from the community and have a working meeting.

Watch the meeting on BCTV. We’ll update the link here as soon as it’s available.

April 1, 2026
March 18, 2026
Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
The Transportation Advisory Committee will meet in Beaufort for a municipal needs presentation and working meeting.

Watch the meeting HERE on BCTV.
March 11, 2026
Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
The Transportation Advisory Committee will meet in Hilton Head for a municipal needs presentation and working meeting.

Watch the meeting HERE on BCTV.

March 11, 2026
March 4, 2026
Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
The Transportation Advisory Committee will meet in Bluffton for a municipal needs presentation and working meeting.

Watch the meeting HERE on BCTV.
February 25, 2026
Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
The Transportation Advisory Committee will meet in Port Royal for a municipal needs presentation and working meeting.

Watch the meeting HERE on BCTV.

February 25, 2026
February 18, 2026
Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
The Transportation Advisory Committee met to discuss the Lowcountry Area Transit Study and begin exploring county needs.

Watch the Meeting HERE.
February 4, 2026
Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting
The Transportation Advisory Committee met to receive a program history and nominate leadership.

Watch the Meeting HERE.

February 4, 2026
January 2026
Transportation Advisory Committee Established

Recommended Safety and Intersection Improvement Projects

Recommended Widening Projects

Recommended Resurfacing and Dirt Road Paving Projects

Lisa Sulka – Chair, Town of Bluffton

Glenn Stanford – Vice Chair, Town of Hilton Head

Joy Coe – Secretary, District 8

Joseph Kline, District 1

Paul Trask, District 2

Anthony Jones, District 3

Elizabeth Sanders, District 4

Jerry Reeves, District 5

Craig Forrest, District 6

Bill Rickett, District 7

Matt Harden, District 9

Charles Perry, District 10

Jennifer Ericksen, District 11

Grady Woods, City of Beaufort

Gary Freeman, Town of Port Royal

November 03, 2026

August 15, 2026

August 15, 2026

July 13, 2026

June 22, 2026

June 22, 2026

June 8, 2026

May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026

May 11, 2026

May 6, 2026

May 6, 2026

April 22, 2026

April 1, 2026

April 1, 2026

March 18, 2026

January 2026

Beaufort County Engineering Department

More Info

Contact Info

Beaufort County
Engineering Department