Legislative Conference Offers County Officials Opportunity to Explore Key Issues for 2024
Managing South Carolina’s growth emerged as a key theme and ongoing discussion during the 2023 SC Association of Counties Legislative Conference, which was held Nov. 30-Dec. 1 in Greenville.
SC Senate President Thomas Alexander of Oconee County, Sen. Shane Massey of Edgefield County, Sen. Karl Allen of Greenville County, and Rep. Chandra Dillard of Greenville County shared ideas on ways county officials and the General Assembly can work together on topics ranging from roads and broadband infrastructure to childcare concerns and workforce development needs.
Justin Powell, SC Department of Transportation chief operating officer, gave updates on SCDOT’s progress on roads and bridges throughout the state and offered a sneak peek at what’s next in the coming decade.
“Infrastructure plays a major role in economic development,” he said. “To keep our momentum as a state, we have to continue investing in infrastructure.”
SC Office of Regulatory Staff Acting Director Andrew Bateman and SC Broadband Office Director Jim Stritzinger shared excited news about more than $551 million on the way to the Palmetto State to provide high-speed internet access.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get everyone in South Carolina connected,” Stritzinger said of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
PalmettoPride Executive Director Sarah Lyles reported positive outcomes about the decline in litter throughout our state in the past 20 years.
Thanks to all members of the SCAC Legislative Committee, Policy Steering Committees and county officials who participated in the conference.
The Legislative Committee adopted SCAC’s policy positions for 2024, and the official policy positions document will be mailed and made available for download soon.
Watch a video recap from SCAC President Roy Costner:
View presentations:
See the full photo gallery. All photos are free to download.