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Published: Friday, Jul. 23, 2010 / Updated: Friday, Jul. 23, 2010 05:06 AM

Officials spread word about 'Pennies for Progress' plans

Officials spread word about 'Pennies for Progress' plans

FORT MILL -- 

A new website and a series of community meetings are two ways York County officials hope to spread the word about the county's sales tax road-building program.

Next June, voters will decide whether to approve the "Pennies for Progress" sales tax for another phase of projects. To county officials, that's right around the corner, which is why they're also asking residents for their input.

"One of the reasons we're here is to try to find out what you see as a high priority," said Phil Leazer to a handful of people who attended a Pennies informational meeting Thursday evening in Fort Mill.

Leazer, county engineer and project manager for Pennies for Progress, gave a brief history of the program before identifying suggested projects that will impact the Fort Mill area if voters approve the extension of the penny-on-the-dollar sales tax next year.

He said the county estimates there are more than $1 billion in potential roadway improvement projects in York County.

David Bowman, the incoming County Council member for District 1 representing Fort Mill, Tega Cay and much of northern York County attended Thursday's meeting and asked about congestion in downtown Fort Mill.

Leazer believes that the Fort Mill Southern Bypass, upon completion in 2012, will alleviate traffic congestion coming through downtown.

Others asked about potholes in the area, project timelines and the types of improvements that will be made along Fort Mill's roads.

Leazer said the S.C. Department of Transportation is behind in road maintenance, but doing the best it can. He said programs such as Pennies in York County and other South Carolina counties have helped diminish the burden on S.C. DOT.

Leazer was pleased with the interest showed by the small group but would like to see more people attend these meetings.

At least one Fort Mill couple agrees.

Betsy Baron said she sometimes feels like she's the only person calling DOT to complain about potholes.

Her husband, Roger Baron, said, "A lot of people complain about the roads but don't participate. This is what you have to do to get some these projects done," he said.

The Pennies for Progress commission, made up of citizens from around York County, wants to present a list of future projects to the County Council by late September or early October.

Before then, officials will hold informational meetings around the county.

The next opportunity to get involved is Aug. 3 at Fort Mill High School, when the county and DOT will host a public hearing on the proposed Fort Mill Southern Bypass project.

The meeting will start at 5 p.m. with an informal open house.

To learn more, visit the Pennies for Progress website, www.penniesforprogress.net, which provides updates on upcoming community meetings, interactive maps identifying projects and status updates, ways to give feedback and make suggestions for future projects.

"We want to try to fix everything you feel like is important," Leazer said. "Let us know what you need."