Transportation & Growth Management

November 28, 2006: Susan Richards, representing the League of Women Voters, spoke on the key issue of transportation and growth management. She showed how both can support or detract from each other. She has the expertise to speak on this topic as she has completed a two year state-wide transportation study and spearheaded efforts to encourage the adoption of transportation as an issue at the 2002 State League convention. Currently she serves on the Charleston County Transportation Advisory Board and the CHATS Commuter Rail Committee.

According to Richards, in the past real estate deals were connected to transportation needs and that has led to what we now know today as urban sprawl. In 1998 the Charleston area had a total urban area of 155 square miles. Currently that has grown to approximately 419 square miles and in 2030 we are projected to have 860 square miles of urban area. It is easy to see that transportation is a key issue that will affect all of us more and more as years go by. Richards made the point that, when you address the issue of transportation, it must be addressed in the regional level; not just by municipalities.

She shared information from “Growing by Choice or Chance: Statewide Strategies for Quality Growth in South Carolina.” The report cited that with the state office of research and statistics projection, South Carolina will add 1.1 million new residents to the current population in the next 25 years. The land-use decisions of today will impact us and our children for the next 100 years.

From the report, Richards shared the 10 Principles of Quality Growth for South Carolina and the State Actions being taken to ensure quality growth. She emphasized transportation and land use in planning and the principles for successful development focused around the transit system. She cited examples of organizations that are using transportation and growth management, such as Allendale County’s Scooter Program and counties using a Ride Program, to improve the quality of life. She cited the need for “complete streets” in our area, which are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and transit riders. Transportation and growth is and continues to be a key issue affecting all of us and needs our involvement.

Submitted by Wayne Outlaw, Keyway Committee