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MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Monday, May 20, 2024) – Berkeley County has completed six Dirt-to-Pave projects in rural communities across the County. These projects total approximately 3.7 miles and are part of the list of Dirt-to-Pave projects voters approved in the 2014 One-Cent Sales Tax Referendum.

The County contracted with Banks Construction to construct each of these roads. Berkeley County Engineering Department completed the Construction, Engineering, and Inspection (CEI). All these roads have been paved, and Banks Construction is working to complete final punch list items. SEE PICTURES ATTACHED. This initiative included the following roads:

The next set of Dirt-to-Pave projects, listed below, are currently under construction in various stages. For these projects, the County is again contracting with Banks Construction and completing CEI in-house.

The Dirt-to-Pave Program paves dirt/gravel roads, often in rural communities, and is part of the One Cent Sales Tax Program, established by the County in 2008 through a voter referendum. Voters passed an extension of the referendum in 2014 and again in 2022. The 2022 One Cent Sales Tax Program Referendum, passed in November 2022, will extend the program for another seven years to help continue to fund roadway, transportation, and infrastructure projects throughout the County.

In addition to Local Paving projects like Dirt-to-Pave projects, the One Cent Sales Tax Program helps fund Capacity Projects, Intersection Improvement Projects, Major Resurfacing Projects, Local and State Resurfacing Projects, Other Transportation Projects, and Greenbelt Preservation Projects.

“Our Dirt-to-Pave Program is a vital and successful part of the One Cent Sales Tax Program. Since the program’s inception, the County has worked to pave over 65 rural roads, enhancing life for many across our County. Time and time again, voters have voiced—through the One Cent Sales Tax referendum—strong support for helping fund these projects; and as a result, completing them remains a top priority for our County Council, administration, and staff.” –Johnny Cribb, Berkeley County Supervisor

Eligible organizations and nonprofits may apply HERE once the application period opens at 8 a.m. on May 31, 2024. The application period will stay open through June 14, 2024. Eligible applicants include those organizations and agencies that work directly on the front lines of the opioid epidemic and/or assist in opioid addiction recovery or preventative services.

Funding must be used for one or more of the following approved opioid remediation uses:

The $26 billion national opioid settlement stems from manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies involved in the opioid process. South Carolina is set to receive its settlement share of more than $360 million over the next 18 years. At least 92 percent of these funds will be used to address the opioid crisis across the state. More than $100 million will be disbursed to nonprofits, hospitals, state agencies and other organizations working to help address this epidemic.

*The County is still awaiting approval by the state before distributing the funds.