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Horry County Voters Approve RIDE 4 Initiative

Construction efforts underway as part of the RIDE 4 initiative

News Summary

Horry County residents have shown overwhelming support for the RIDE 4 initiative, approving a 1% sales tax aimed at generating $6 billion for road infrastructure projects over the next 25 years. With 95,175 voters in favor, the initiative plans to kick off with 28 initial projects, focusing on major upgrades and improvements to existing roads. Set to begin in May 2025, RIDE 4 aims to enhance safety, convenience, and economic opportunities throughout the community, making significant strides toward better roadways for all.

Exciting News from Horry County: Voters Say Yes to RIDE 4 Initiative!

Hey Horry County residents! There’s some fantastic news sweeping through our community as voters have officially approved the RIDE 4 initiative. If you’re wondering what that means for our roads, you’re in for a treat! This groundbreaking decision came with a significant display of support, as an impressive 95,175 voters raised their hands for the initiative, while 71,490 folks opposed it—clearly, the majority is on board!

What Exactly is RIDE 4?

So, what is this RIDE 4 initiative all about? It’s a long-term strategy aimed at addressing the pressing road infrastructure needs in our beautiful community over the next 25 years. The program gives residents the chance to support a 1% sales tax that will generate approximately $6 billion for roadway projects. Now, that’s a substantial investment in making our roads safer and more efficient!

Initial Projects That Will Kick off the RIDE 4 Journey

To kick things off, RIDE 4 is set to fund 28 initial projects. The first five years will focus on some major upgrades and expansions, including widening Highway 90 and East Cox Ferry Road, and improvements to River Oaks Drive in Carolina Forest. Exciting, right? Moreover, a brand-new bridge will be built over the Waccamaw River into Conway, making travel easier for all of us!

Additionally, we’ll see Highway 22 extended, connecting Highway 501 near Aynor to both Surfside Beach and Murrells Inlet. Talk about convenience for beachgoers and commuters alike! And let’s not forget the enhancements to Coast RTA, with new facilities like a bus maintenance complex and passenger stations in both Conway and Myrtle Beach.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for RIDE 4?

After the initial five years of heavy lifting, we’re looking at a whopping 20 years focused on resurfacing several hundred miles of our public roads and paving those pesky dirt roads. No more bumpy rides! Additional plans are on the table to widen Highway 701 from Highway 22 to 410, and there’s even funding earmarked for an I-73 connector, pending approval from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT).

When Does RIDE 4 Start?

Mark your calendars! RIDE 4 is set to officially take effect in May 2025, right after finishing up RIDE III. It’s worth mentioning that a good chunk of about $249.5 million of the $592 million anticipated from the penny tax has already been put to good use in roadway projects since the start of RIDE III. Projects like the Carolina Forest Boulevard Widening and the Palmetto Pointe Boulevard Extension are already keeping things on schedule.

The Ripple Effects of RIDE 4

Since the late 1990s, the RIDE initiative has played a vital role in shaping our community’s infrastructure, and it’s partly funded by the tourism that visits our lovely county. Did you know visitors contribute around 66% to these projects? That’s right! Supporting RIDE 4 is also a way to enhance the quality of life, improve safety, and create more economic opportunities for everyone.

Be a Part of the Change!

Now that you’re in the loop, it’s time to get excited about the future of Horry County! RIDE 4 has the potential to transform our roads and community for generations to come. Here’s to smoother journeys ahead!