Possible road improvements to affect USC
Leaders from Richland, Lexington and Columbia are working together to request a minimum of $280 million in state money, The State reported. This package, which will be submitted next month, would make USC safer for students walking to class, improve road access to the airport and eliminate the wait by drivers blocked at downtown railroad crossings.
There is currently no funding available for new State Infrastructure Bank projects, but leaders are depending on legislators to fund more high-dollar projects in coming years. They hope that the request may get more consideration with Richland County spending millions on state-owned roads as part of its recent penny sales-tax program.
The package would include at least four projects, including the extension of Greene Street to Huger Street, which would clear the way for USC’s expansion to the river. This project was part of the transportation sales tax plan approved by Richland County voters.
Legislature canceled due to forecasted snow, ice
Senate President Pro Tempore John Courson of Columbia made the decision on Monday to cancel the session of the South Carolina Senate this week because of more snow and ice in the upcoming forecasts, WIS reported.
The House is already on furlough this week, and although some Ways and Means subcommittee meetings were still scheduled, but they could be canceled as well.
This is the second time in just three weeks that legislators will not meet due to inclement weather. The House and Senate canceled session from Jan. 28 to Jan. 30, when approximately two inches of snow fell in the Columbia areas.
The State Legislature’s typical Tuesday-through-Thursday schedule will resume next week.
House passes bill to waive make-up snow days
The House has unanimously passed a bill that would grant school districts the authority to waive make-up days for school days missed due to weather.
The Senate is expected to vote on the proposal upon reopening.
If the bill is passed, school districts would be able to waive up to five make-up days for the 2013-2014 school year.
“Dr. Zais believes that whenever possible, students should make up critical classroom learning time,” said Dino Teppara, state Department of Education spokesperson, on behalf of the state superintendent. “While districts are encouraged to make use of their make-up days, considering the present weather conditions, that requirement may be waived by the General Assembly.”
Not making up days missed due to inclement weather would save districts thousands of dollars.
With ice and snow in the South Carolina in the forecast, schools may decide to close again this week.