The recent list of earmarks shared by Fitsnews.com reveals Tega Cay finds itself without any earmarks in the latest budget, while neighboring cities and York County benefit from millions in pork appropriations. Despite Tega Cay residents paying millions in taxes, the city received no earmarks. An earmark is a designated fund set aside for a specific project or purpose at the request of a legislator. These funds are allocated in appropriations bills, often bypassing the usual competitive process, to benefit local projects or constituencies.
The towns and cities within York County, including Rock Hill, Fort Mill, York, and Clover, have been awarded substantial amounts for a variety of projects aimed at improving infrastructure, public safety, and community services.
Rock Hill:
- Southside Home Improvement Program: $500,000
- Fire Department Ballistic Vests: $13,000
- Back the Pack – Rock Hill Schools Education Foundation: $80,000
Fort Mill:
- Community Center Renovations: $4,000,000
York:
- Fire Apparatus: $1,200,000
- Recreation Facility Upgrades and Additional Parking: $2,000,000
Clover:
- Construction of New Indoor Recreation Facility: $4,000,000
- American Thread Project: $1,500,000
Additionally, York County itself secured a significant $8,000,000 earmark for transportation infrastructure. While there may be some transportation improvements from this earmark for Tega Cay, it is unknown at this time. These earmarks are poised to bring substantial improvements and developments to these communities, enhancing public services and boosting local economies.
The Tega Cay Conundrum
In stark contrast, Tega Cay received no earmarks. This absence raises questions and concerns among its residents and local leaders. Ironically, Tega Cay recently ordered a new fire apparatus costing $1.2m, the same amount in earmarks the city of York just received for a new fire apparatus. Yet, Tega Cay remains overlooked in this latest round of funding.
The frustration in Tega Cay is further compounded by the fact that its residents pay millions in taxes annually, contributing significantly to the state coffers. Despite this substantial financial contribution, the city has received nothing in return from the recent earmarks, leading to a sense of frustration and neglect.
Overview of South Carolina’s Most Expensive Earmarks
South Carolina’s latest earmark allocations have revealed substantial investments in infrastructure, public safety, health, and community development projects across the state. This funding round, requested by various senators and representatives, aims to address critical needs and foster growth in numerous communities. There were a total of 521 earmarks, totaling over $435.2 million. In the Senate there were 58 earmarks over $1,000,000 and in the House there were 98 earmarks over $1,00,000. Below is an overview of some of the most expensive earmarks, detailing the projects, their purposes, and the locations benefiting from these significant appropriations.
- York County – Transportation Infrastructure
- Requested by: Senator Climer and Sentor M. Johnson
- Amount: $8,000,000
- Purpose: Infrastructure improvements
- Location: York County
- Richland County – Aquatics Center
- Requested by: Representative Bannister
- Amount: $6,000,000
- Purpose: Aquatics Center
- Location: Richland County
- City of Sumter – Richardson Competition Facilities
- Requested by: Representative G.M. Smith
- Amount: $5,900,000
- Purpose: Enhancing competition facilities
- Location: Sumter
- Children’s Hospital Collaborative
- Requested by: Health and Human Services Subcommittee
- Amount: $5,000,000
- Purpose: Children’s hospital support
- Location: Statewide
- City of Myrtle Beach – Downtown Revitalization
- Requested by: Senator Rankin and Representative Goldfinch
- Amount: $5,000,000
- Purpose: Revitalizing downtown Myrtle Beach
- Location: Myrtle Beach
- City of Columbia – Assembly St. Railroad Grade Separation Project
- Requested by: Representative Rutherford
- Amount: $5,000,000
- Purpose: Railroad grade separation
- Location: Columbia
- City of Sumter – Patriot Park Amphitheater
- Requested by: Representative G.M. Smith
- Amount: $3,300,000
- Purpose: Amphitheater construction
- Location: Sumter
- Lexington County Recreation Commission – Multi Sports Facility Complex
- Requested by: Senator Setzler
- Amount: $3,000,000
- Purpose: Multi-sports facility complex
- Location: Lexington County
- Prostate Cancer Awareness Campaign
- Requested by: Health and Human Services Subcommittee
- Amount: $2,000,000
- Purpose: Awareness campaign
- Location: Statewide
- City of Walhalla – Police Station
- Requested by: Senator Alexander
- Amount: $1,500,000
- Purpose: New police station
- Location: Walhalla
- Historic Sol Legare Community Safety Project
- Requested by: Representative Stavrinakis
- Amount: $1,000,000
- Purpose: Community safety improvements
- Location: Sol Legare
These earmarks represent significant investments in infrastructure, public safety, health, and community development across various locations in South Carolina.
