ROADS/BRIDGES: SC roads plan blocked by Senate filibuster

South Carolina state Sen. Tom Davis R-Beaufort is filibustering to block a plan to fix state roads, which call for an increase in the gas tax.

The roads funding plans Davis trying to put a stop to involves raising the gas tax by 4 cents a year for three years, in addition to raising other fees. After five years, the plan would bring in more than $700 million for South Carolina roads.

However, Sen. Davis says the gas tax hike is unnecessary because the state already has a $1.3 billion surplus to utilize, $750 million of which will be available every year.

“We can take care of our roads and bridges with existing resources,” Davis said.

Supporters of the bill to raise South Carolina’s gas tax like Sen. Ray Cleary, R-Murrells Inlet, a co-sponsor of the plan says raising taxes is a good way to bring in money for roads since truckers and tourists will pay for it.