Renegotiate I-526 funds

With all the commentary about voters' defeat of the half-cent sales tax extension, there is one issue with regards to the Interstate 526 project that I feel has not been brought to the forefront.

The State Transportation Infrastructure Bank agreed in 2006 to put in $420 million, which would have mostly funded the project at that time.

The revised estimate in 2015 brought the total price tag up to a less palatable $720 million, with the state having to kick in only 58% of the project cost using the original $420 million.

Now, the project is up to $2.3 billion and the state is still kicking in only the same original amount, or about 18% of the total cost. This leaves Charleston County on the hook to cover almost the entire project.

The argument against development of Johns Island? That ship sailed when the developers continued to do what they do best -- develop.

The entire budget structure for this endeavor needs to be renegotiated into an equitable distribution of shared costs between the county, state and federal governments.

Have we lost so much political power in Columbia that our state representatives cannot apply the pressure needed, or are they too busy being culture warriors?

Charleston County is among the largest economic drivers of this state, so maybe some of those influences can be brought to bear.

The state and federal government certainly stepped up to the plate when the Port of Charleston was involved. I shudder to think what the Ravenel Bridge would cost today.

CHRIS MCDONOUGH

Mount Pleasant

Red Cross helps in crises

The holidays are a time to come together, not just as family and friends, but as a community.

With NOAA data showing that 2024 has been our country's second-highest year of billion-dollar disasters -- including Hurricane Helene -- many people won't be able to spend the holidays at home. For thousands, this year's disasters reduced their homes to rubble, forcing them to seek refuge at an emergency shelter.

But there's hope, thanks to volunteers and donors whose support through the American Red Cross is helping people to rebuild their lives with aid such as a safe place to stay, food, emotional support and recovery assistance.

The need for this help is growing amid the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters. Today, we're responding to twice as many major U.S. disasters as we did a decade ago. All of this is being done on top of local, everyday crises such as home fires that are no less heartbreaking.

Last year, the Red Cross of South Carolina responded to 1,689 disasters, including home fires, and assisted 5,216 people by distributing more than $1.2 million in financial assistance. We made more than 3,200 homes safer through free smoke alarms. Additionally, we provided 9,000 case services to military, veterans and their families, and collected 68,000 units of lifesaving blood.

With no signs of extreme disasters and everyday emergencies slowing down, people are depending on us to be there with support when the next crisis strikes.

We cannot do it alone. Join us by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation. You also can give the gift of lifesaving blood or time helping others.

YOLANDA GAINWELL

Interim CEO

American Red Cross of SC

Columbia

North Mount Pleasant

I read with interest Post and Courier reporter Anna Sharpe's well-written article, "Is there a North Mount Pleasant? It depends on who you ask."

Let's call North Mount Pleasant what it is: North Mount Pleasant. Our section of town has been called that for years.

Referring to it now as "Upper Mount Pleasant" seems to show a lack of understanding by Town Council. While we are not North Charleston, the city could have been named City of Upper Charleston. The town has several sections, but North Mount Pleasant is growing rapidly.

I still think the idea of a 500,000-square-foot industrial park in an area surrounded by homes, shops, schools and more is a terrible idea. That would mean more concrete, more traffic and more congestion with less space for trees and green space, and no place for wildlife.

Yes, the money is nice, but what about the quality of life for those of us who live here? Which is more important?

GARY DAVIS

Mount Pleasant

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