Horry County Voters Say Yes to Transportation Improvement
Horry County, S.C. — In a significant decision for the residents of Horry County, voters have just approved the latest version of the RIDE transportation program. The results are in—about 57% of voters gave a thumbs up to RIDE IV, while the remaining 43% were not in favor. This program will roll out a 1% sales tax aimed at funding more than 30 exciting projects over the next 25 years, or until the county collects a whopping $6.6 billion, whichever comes first.
What You Need to Know About RIDE IV
RIDE IV is set to hit the ground running on May 1, 2025, right after the completion of collections from the previous program, RIDE III, which wraps up on April 30, 2025. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the community. Tracy Conner, the chamber’s interim president and CEO, declared, “By voting to fund RIDE IV, our community has come together to ensure a safer and more accessible transportation network that will uplift the quality of life for everyone who calls Horry County home.”
Where Will the Funds Come From?
One of the most interesting points shared by the chamber is that about two-thirds of the RIDE IV funding is expected to come from visitors who are just passing through Horry County. It seems our area is not just a great place to live, but also to visit! This fact was reiterated by _Fix Horry Roads_, an advocacy group that played a vital role in pushing for the measure. Chairman Steve Mays expressed satisfaction, saying, “We now have the resources—mostly from our visitors—to enhance connectivity and improve quality of life across our communities.”
Not Everyone’s on Board
However, the approval of RIDE IV isn’t all rainbows and sunshine. The Coastal Conservation League has voiced their concerns about the potential impacts of the new projects, fearing that they could result in “destructive new highways.” They warn that this could open rural areas of Horry and Georgetown counties to sprawling development, threatening farmland, dividing communities, and worsening flooding issues. “The negative effects of these highway projects would be permanent and far-reaching,” they stated, expressing disappointment in the referendum’s outcome.
The Community’s Response
Despite the pushback from some groups, many community members actively supported RIDE IV’s approval. They engaged in various forms of advocacy—writing postcards, putting up yard signs, and sharing messages on social media to rally support for the cause. This passionate involvement shows a robust community spirit, as folks rally for better infrastructure while also raising critical concerns about preserving their environment.
What’s Next for Horry County?
As Horry County moves forward with the implementation of RIDE IV, community leaders will need to carefully balance the benefits of improved transportation against the environmental concerns raised by local activists. The focus will be on ensuring that the resources generated not only improve connectivity but also safeguard the unique character of the Horry County area.
As May 2025 approaches, the eyes of the community will be on how these projects unfold and what they will mean for the road ahead—both literally and figuratively. Here’s hoping Horry County can pave the way for a future that’s beneficial for both residents and visitors alike!
