US 1 Road Widening Project. TIGER Grant Application for the

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1 TIGER Grant Application for the US 1 Road Widening Project Central Midlands Council of Governments 236 Stoneridge Drive Columbia, SC March 19, 2012 DUNS # CENTRAL MIDLANDS Council of Governments

2 US 1 Widening Project Committed Funding Needed Funding Total Project Cost Preliminary Engineering $ 1,900,000 $ 1,900,000 Right-of-way $ 7,750,000 $ 7,750,000 Construction $ 9,000,000 $ 10,000,000 $ 19,000,000 Total $ 18,650,000 $ 10,000,000 $ 28,650,000 Money Committed To-Date to the Project $ 18,650,000 Money Needed to Complete Project $ 10,000,000 PROJECT SUMMARY Project Type: Secondary Project Type: Description Location: Road and Bridge Transit Increase capacity from 2 to 5 lanes Lexington County, SC, rural area between the Town of Lexington and the Town of Batesburg-Leesville $28.6 million $10 million Total Project Cost: TIGER Grant Funds Requested: Non-Federal Match: $3,730,000 Design Completion: July 2013 Right-of-Way Completion: September 2013 Construction Begin: September 2013 NEPA Status: Completed August 10, 2010 FONSI Status: Completed January 26, 2011 Census Urbanized Area: Economically Distressed Area: Federal Wage Certification: In the STIP and TIP: No No Yes Yes 1 P age

3 TIGER GRANT REQUEST The Central Midlands Council of Governments (CMCOG) formally requests a TIGER Grant in the amount of $10,000,000 to assist in the completion of the US 1 Widening Project. This project is located in a rural industrial area of the greater Columbia area in Lexington County, South Carolina, 2nd Congressional District. It will put local residents to work as soon as funding is available. All design is completed All right-of-way is 40% completed All environmental documents have been approved All construction permits are being acquired PROJECT PARTIES The Central Midlands Council of Governments (CMCOG) is a public agency created by the counties of Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry and Richland, and the cities of Batesburg/Leesville, Cayce, Columbia, Forest Acres, Irmo, Lexington, Newberry, Springdale, West Columbia, and Winnsboro, as enabled by state planning law. CMCOG, organized in 1969, is responsible for area-wide transportation planning and serves as the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for transportation program and project purposes. The funding for such projects normally comes from local, state and federal transportation planning funds distributed to the CMCOG as a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The CMCOG, as the Columbia Area Transportation Study (COATS), is one of ten Metropolitan Planning Organizations in the state. Norman Whitaker, AICP Executive Director 236 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC (803) nwhitaker@centralmidlands.org DUNS # The Central Midlands Council of Government has a current Central Contract Registration. 2 P age

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5 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The transportation planning process for the Central Midlands Council of Governments (CMCOG) identified a need for increasing the capacity of this section of US Route 1 and to provide continuity with the rest of the corridor of US Route 1. The widening was approved primarily for increasing capacity, with the secondary purpose to facilitate access to businesses and other community services. Existing development to either side of this section of roadway is primarily scattered residential and commercial. The primary purpose and goal of this project is to increase capacity on US Route 1 for future traffic. Secondarily, by widening the last section of US Route 1 between the Town of Lexington and the Town of Batesburg-Leesville, continuity and connectivity would be provided to the rest of the US Route 1 corridor and land development would be encouraged. This project is listed on the most current Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and the CMCOG Rural Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) for preliminary engineering and right-of-way funds for the entire corridor. The project is also identified for construction of Phase I, which is a 3.2 mile section of the 5.8 mile corridor. The primary need is to increase the capacity of this section of US Route 1. Traffic studies indicate that the present average daily traffic (ADT) is approximately Approximately 5% of that total has been identified for trucks. Traffic forecast predict an approximate growth of 97% in traffic over the next 21 years. Traffic is expected to reach 12,000 ADT by The existing level of service rating is "B" based on the current data. Currently the traffic flow is stable and the presence of other vehicles only slightly restricts freedom of movement. The future daily traffic is estimated at 12,000 ADT which would yield a level of service "D". This means traffic will be unstable and difficult to pass safely. Construction of this project will yield a level of service "A". The second need for this project is to provide access, connectivity, and the encouragement of land development. Improving this roadway is needed to provide a safe and efficient transportation facility for motorists and residents in the Batesburg-Leesville area needing access to jobs, medical treatments, and training. This need was recognized in 2000 when CMCOG voted to improve this project. In addition, Lexington County has zoned this section of US 1 for Intensive Development for the encouragement of development. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) proposes to widen the existing twolane ditch section of US Route 1 to a five-lane highway section for a distance of approximately 5.8 miles. Most of the Widening would be equidistant about the centerline throughout the length of the proposed corridor. The roadway would include two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction with a variable width shoulder. The center lane will be 15 feet throughout the project. The section to be widened would begin just east of the City of Leesville at the SC Route 23/US Route 4 P age

6 1 intersection and continue east to Road S-24 to join the existing five-lane highway. The roadway will continue the curb and gutter section from Road S-24 to approximately 300 feet past Road S-277 (See Typical Section, Figure 1). The roadway will transition to a ditch section with a six-foot paved shoulder until approximately 600 feet past Road S-965 (See Typical Section, Figure 2). The roadway will transition back to curb-and-gutter to the end of the project at the intersection of SC Route 23/US Route 1. The intersection with Road S-54 will be located to the west approximately 200 feet to create a safer ninety-degree intersection. New right-of-way would vary from a minimum of 50 feet to a maximum of 100 feet on the north side of the roadway at an unnamed stream crossing with 75 to 80 feet most commonly required. The cost of the preferred alternative has been estimated at $28 million to include approximately $18 million for roadway construction, $8 million for right-of-way, and $2 million for preliminary engineering. Figure 1. Typical Section 5 P age

7 Figure 2. Typical Section ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS An Environmental Overview was conducted as part of the US 1 Widening Feasibility Study. The goal of this Environmental Overview was to identify potential environmental constraints that could affect the project. SCDOT has submitted an Environmental Assessment (EA), pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, in accordance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulations in 23 CFR Part 771 and 40 CFR Part Based on the evaluation of potential impacts and as described in the EA, it was proved that no significant impacts would result from the implementation of this project. 6 P age

8 Demographic Characteristics along the US 1 Widening Project Study Area Geographic Area Category Lexington County CTs Combined CT 213 BG 1 CT 213 BG 2 CT 214 BG1 Population (2000) 216,014 20,903 7,518 8,339 5,046 White 181,884 18,381 6,889 7,548 3,944 Black 27,274 1, ,007 Hispanic* 4, AIAN** Asian 2, NHOPI*** Other 1, Races 2, Income (1999) Median Households ($) 44,659 43,255 50,903 40,822 38,041 Per Capita ($) 21,063 20,080 24,964 18,020 17,257 Poverty (Persons) 19,331 1, Housing Units (2000) 90,978 9,189 3,775 3,280 2,134 Educational Attainment 142,083 13,915 5,320 5,171 3,424 (Population 25 Years and Older) Less than 9th Grade 7,550 1, Some High School 16,597 2, High School Graduate 41,852 4,901 1,867 1,951 1,083 Some College 29,653 2,649 1, Associate Degree 11,466 1, Bachelor's Degree 24,163 1, Graduate Degree 10, *Hispanic numbers were not included in total population statistics by the Census Bureau **AIAN - American Indian & Alaska Native ***NHOPI - Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander SOURCE: United States Census Bureau Website (2009) LONG TERM OUTCOMES The positive, long-term outcomes from the proposed investment in the US Route 1 roadway improvements include annual operating cost saving for future roadway maintenance, reduction in travel time along this corridor, reduction in commute lengths for some residents, more transit opportunities, and reduction in criteria pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles operating on the corridor. 7 P age

9 1. STATE OF GOOD REPAIR The US 1 Widening Project is part of and consistent with all, state, local and regional efforts to maintain and improve the current transportation systems. Without this project, the economic growth and stability of the region will continue to be threatened. This area is a major industrial area for Lexington County and the greater Columbia area. By completing this project, regional connectivity will improve and provide a direct link to one of the largest employers in the State, while providing economic opportunity to the region. This project will provide access to job training opportunities at Midlands Technical College and health services at Lexington Medical Park. This project will minimize life-cycle costs by reducing congestion on Interstate 20 and eliminating unnecessary wear-and-tear on the existing road system. The connectivity this project will provide will also minimize life-cycle costs. The US 1 Widening Project will be a key component to the South Carolina State Transportation System and provide direct access to the National Highway System. This project is included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) as a project that provides statewide significance. This project is consistent with the CMCOG Rural Long Range Transportation Plan (RLRTP). This project will be set for construction by September 2013 if available funding materializes. 2. ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS Federal assistance will greatly advance this struggling community's on-going planning efforts for a multi-modal transportation facility and increase the property value along this corridor. This corridor will provide a direct link to regional job centers, medical facilities, shopping areas, public service facilities and recreational areas within the county and region. Economic opportunities include: Lexington County, SC Population: 253, 110 Lexington County is centrally located in the heart of South Carolina, just off of I-20 and I-26. Lexington County is considered to be the fastest growing area in South Carolina with the best school district in the State. Lexington County is well known for the 45- mile long Lake Murray, with more than 500 miles of shoreline and some of the best fishing in the country. The dynamic economy boasts friendly people, excellent schools, theaters and museums. The economy is balanced between high-tech industries, agriculture, significant regional retail centers, and a growing retirement destination. In addition, the schools are perennially at the top of every ranking of school excellence. 8 P age

10 Lexington County is thriving because of its diverse population, varied economy, exceptional schools, and excellent recreational opportunities. However, its transportation system is lacking. Population growth is consistent, dynamic and dispersed throughout the county s 750 square miles. Three different Interstate highways, two public airports, several private airports, and 4 rail lines link Lexington County and the world. In addition to the consistent population growth, currently at 253,110, Lexington County is experiencing commercial, retail and industrial growth with nearly 975,414 people within a 45 mile radius. Interstates in Lexington County: I-26 (11 interchanges), I-20 (8 interchanges), I-77 (1 interchange) Other Interstates near Lexington County: I-385, 55 miles; I-85, 87 miles; I-95, 65 miles US & State Highways in Lexington County: US - 378, 1, 321, 178, 76; SC - 6, 278, 243, 302, 260, 204, 60, 602 Lexington Medical Park Beds: 384 Located in one of South Carolina s fastest growing communities, Lexington Medical Center is a 384-bed metropolitan medical complex that anchors a comprehensive, countywide health care network. That network includes six community medical centers at strategic locations throughout Lexington County, the largest extended care facility in the state, an occupational health center and affiliated physician practices. Lexington Medical Center continues to rank as the # 1 hospital in the state and is located 5.3 miles from the project area. Today, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina serves nearly a million South Carolinians. Largely due to the growth of government programs, they have more than 12,000 employees. They have offices throughout South Carolina, as well as in Virginia and Texas. In addition, they have earned honors as a top employer for the state. BlueCross BlueShield consistently ranks as one of the top Blue Cross plans in the nation. They support health care-related research, education and service in South Carolina through the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation. 9 P age

11 Greater Columbia Area Population: 623, 122 The greater Columbia area is a primary focal point for business, education, technology, health care, history, tourism, culture and recreation. The City of Columbia is experiencing rapid growth, structurally, economically and demographically. Columbia was ranked 2nd of America s Most Livable Mid-Sized Communities in 2005 by the Washington-based national non-profit organization Partners for Livable Communities who honors communities that are developing themselves in the creative economy. Columbia has also been named a top midsized market for relocating families in the nation. Where to Retire magazine listed Columbia as one of its 25 best choices for retirement as a budget town in its January/February 2007 edition. Many reputable publications and institutes recognize the potential of Columbia s economy. Notable honors include: ranking by Forbes 2008 Best Places for Business and Careers, Forbes top 100 cities for jobs in 2008, Bizjournals mid-sized labor markets for young adult job seekers, entreprenuer.com, Inc. s 2006 Hot Cities for Entrepreneurs, CareerBuilder.com one of nation s best cities for jobs based on job opening per resident, and Expansion Management 2007 America s 50 hottest cities for corporate expansion and relocation, as well as top 20 mid-sized metro area for business recruitment and attraction and one of America's top business opportunity metros out of 70. Due to the recent economic market, this growth rate has rapidly stopped. In a growing economy many large industries in the area and small businesses will plan to expand and need a new employee base to draw from. The US 1 Widening Project will provide access to adjoining counties and provide a direct link for a new employee base to travel. Columbia is a major industrial, cultural, and educational center located in the heart of a fertile farm region. At the head of the Congaree River, it is the largest city in the State and an important trade and commercial point. A portion of the city extends into Lexington County. Located just 13 miles northwest of South Carolina s geographic center, Columbia is the primary city of the midlands region of South Carolina, which comprises several counties in the central portion of the state. The city is often cited for its high quality of life offerings, with its many cultural amenities, parks, and recreational features. At the confluence of two major rivers, Columbia is one of the best destinations in the country for kayaking and canoeing. An educational center, Columbia is home to the University of South Carolina, Benedict College, Columbia College, Allen University, and Columbia International University. The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center brought in nearly 50,000 visitors from outside the State to attend various conferences and events. The most recent conference was the National Hydrogen Association Conference and Hydrogen Expo in March of This represented the largest and most comprehensive hydrogen conference in the U.S. and brought with it an estimated 1,500 of the world's leading 10 P age

12 researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs in hydrogen/fuel cell markets. This was done with the hope that some of these companies would relocate to the area. Columbia is also a major center for military and training operations that require a constant and increasing demand for air travel. Today, Fort Jackson is the largest and most active Initial Entry Training Center in the U.S. Army, training 50 percent of all soldiers entering the Army each year. Accomplishing this mission means training in excess of 50,000 basic training and advanced individual training soldiers every year. The Fort includes more than 52,000 acres, including more than 100 ranges and field training sites and 1,160 buildings. More than 3,900 active duty soldiers and their 14,000 family members are assigned to the installation and make this area their home. Fort Jackson employs almost 5,200 civilians and provides services for more than 36,000 retirees and their family members. An additional 12,000 students attend courses at the Soldier Support Institute, Chaplain Center and School and Drill Sergeant School annually. The Fort will continue to grow in the coming years as a result of the recent Base Realignment and Closure Commission s decision to make Fort Jackson the home of the Army s only Drill Sergeant School. 3. LIVABILITY Implementation of the US 1 Widening Project will result in a connected multi-modal transportation network. Citizens currently limited in transportation, and those choosing a greener mode of transportation, will be able to access regional training opportunities, regional employment centers, medical facilities, shopping areas, recreational areas, and government facilities throughout the region. This access will be affordable, timely, and will have both individual and community-wide benefits by improving air quality in a non-attainment county, decreasing individual transportation costs, reducing energy consumption and dependence on foreign oil, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting not only the public health, but the quality of life for many citizens. Vehicular dependence will be diminished and the system will greatly benefit low to moderate income populations. This project directly furthers the six "livability principles" developed by DOT, HUD, and EPA as part of the Partnership of Sustainable Communities. Specifically, this project will: provide more transportation choices to a significant rural population expand availability of location-efficient housing encourage new affordable transit oriented development provide greatly enhanced public access to areas which it has not been previously accessible 11 P age

13 enhance the economic competitiveness by improving the overall transportation system and allowing the development of new sources of employment support an existing community by enabling development of under-utilized sites into transit-friendly mixed use neighborhoods, commercial outlets, safeguarding rural landscapes, reducing energy use, and negative effects of transportation on air quality. 4. SUSTAINABILITY The goal of sustainability is to stimulate more integrated planning to guide state, metropolitan, and local investments in land use, transportation and housing, as well as to challenge localities to undertake zoning and land use reforms to support more inclusive, sustainable communities. Lexington County has diverse communities with a shared vision. Over the past couple of years the county has tackled some tough issues including job losses, economic recovery planning, and a comprehensive plan to support homeownership needs and improve neighborhoods. The results of a wide range of planning efforts point to the desire for a sustainable community, with state emphasis given to walkability, green construction methods, and concentrated mixed-use connected to the transportation system. Implementation of the US 1 Widening Project will result in many environmental benefits to the community and improve quality of life for its citizens. Vehicle dependence will be reduced, air quality will be improved, and transportation choices will be made available. This project will promote energy efficiency by reducing the stop-and-go traffic due to frequent left turns. It will improve air quality by reducing idling along the road. And it will encourage more transportation choices as identified in the Batesburg-Leesville - Columbia Transit Feasibility Study, which was approved by the CMCOG Board of Directors in June JOB CREATION & NEAR-TERM ECONOMIC ACTIVITY This project will rapidly inject short-term economic stimulus into the economy of Lexington County through the creation of construction jobs, and in the long term will directly contribute to the creation of an even greater number of permanent new job by enabling the creation of new economic development opportunities. This project will create an estimated 311 construction jobs per year for the roadwork alone; additional construction jobs will be created from the private development enabled as a result of the road improvements. 12 P age

14 Based on the job creation estimates in Estimates of Job Creation from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009, in the following table, for every $92,000 of government spending it is estimated that one job per year is created. From that total, sixty-four (64%) percent will be direct effects and thirty-six (36%) will be induced effects. US 1 Widening Project Funding Spending per job Direct Jobs Created per year Induced Jobs Created per year Preliminary Engineering $ 1,900,000 $ 92, Right-of-way $ 7,750,000 $ 92, Construction $ 19,000,000 $ 92, Total $ 28,650,000 $ 92, Total Number of Jobs Per Year $ 311 Total Short Term Job Creation (3 years) $ 934 SAFETY This project will improve vehicle and pedestrian safety with the project area due to the installation of left turn lanes or an un-landscaped middle median. Right turn lanes can be made available for major developments. Traffic signal will only be installed when warranted. Signal phases will be used at those intersections to increase and maintain efficiency. INNOVATION Below are some examples of funding innovation used by the Central Midlands Council of Governments on past projects. Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs), as stated in the FHWA-FTA joint regulations that govern transportation programming, a prioritized program of transportation projects to be implemented in appropriate stages over several years. This program is required as a condition for a locality to receive federal transit and highway grants. This is prepared by the MPO, RPO, and the State. 13 P age

15 State Transportation Infrastructure Bank (STIB) The South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank Act was signed into Law by Governor Beasley on June 26, It establishes a board to focus greater attention on large transportation projects, and thereby allows SCDOT resources to be devoted sooner to smaller, but yet important, transportation projects. The corporate purpose of the Bank is to select and assist in financing major qualified projects by providing loans and other financial assistance to government units and private entities for constructing and improving highway and transportation facilities necessary for public purposes including economic development. Lexington County currently has a local option sales tax program enacted by the legislature in 2004 for school buildings and debt services and is currently trying to establish a second local option sales tax for road improvements. Lexington County provides payment in lieu of property taxation to motivate businesses to relocate in this region. SCANA and Home Depot are participating in this program in their recent new developments. In one key innovation, SCDOT used its ability to issue state highway bonds to help supplement the shortfall of federal dollars. The way SCDOT intends to pay back state highway bonds is unusual. SCDOT has dedicated a portion of future federal funds - not state highway dollars - to make the debt retirement payments. If necessary CMCOG will ask SCDOT for supplemental funding. PARTNERSHIP The State of South Carolina has made a substantial contribution to the completion of the US 1 Widening Project. This contribution has covered all preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisitioning and construction of Phase 1 (S-31 (W. Hampton Road) to S-24 (Priceville/Peach Festival Road). This project along has full support from all local and state agencies including the South Carolina Department of Transportation. RESULTS OF BENEFITS-COST ANALYSIS A benefit-cost analysis involves the calculation of the stream of benefits and costs over the lifetime of the project. In addition to the benefit-cost analysis, non-quantifiable considerations should be evaluated to determine if a project is economically justified. 14 P age

16 For this study, the following values are given: Total B/C Ratio: For this ratio, the benefits include the savings in user costs between the existing and the improved alternatives. The costs represent project investments (in 2010 dollars) including design and construction costs, estimated maintenance costs, and estimated resurfacing costs. Total Net Present Value: For this value the total project costs are subtracted from the total project benefits which have been discounted to 2010 monetary values based on a 7% discount rate. The time period used for calculating the net present value is based on a 20 year horizon from the 2010 base year, but the benefits are only calculated for a 15 year period because they are assumed to not begin until construction is complete in The benefit-cost analysis for this project is based on the following: No build scenario: Without the proposed project traffic would utilize the unimproved section of US1 which currently drops from 5 lanes to 2 lanes outside of the Town of Lexington all the way into Batesburg-Leesville, a total distance of approximately 5.75 miles; and Build Scenario: With the proposed project, traffic would utilize the new 5 lane section of US1 which would flow unimpeded from the existing 5 lane section creating a continuous, connected arterial network between the Town of Lexington and Batesburg-Leesville. Using the assumptions listed previously, the following information summarizes the results of the benefit cost analysis for the US 1 Widening Project: Summary of Discounted User Benefits: Benefit Description Benefit Value Vehicle Travel Time Savings $4,349, Accident Safety Reduction $1,844, Vehicle Emissions Reduction -$334 Total Project Benefits $6,194, P age

17 Summary of Discounted Costs: Cost Description Cost Value Design and Construction $19,000,000 Estimated Maintenance Costs $1,900,000 Estimated Resurfacing Costs $7,750,000 Total Project Cost $28,650,000 Summary of Cost-Benefit Analysis: Total Net Present Value -$22,455,975 Total Benefit-Cost Ratio Non-quantifiable Benefits: Non-quantifiable considerations are those impacts that cannot be stated in dollars or quantified in other understandable measures but are still important to the economic justification of the proposed transportation facility. The proposed US 1 Road Widening project would bring economic development opportunities to the region by increasing mobility and access for rural residents and existing and potential industrial and agri-business employers. PROJECT PERFORMANCE The SCDOT will administer and manage the construction of this project. Every six (6) months during the life of the project, public information meetings will be held in the area to communicate with businesses and local residents. In these meetings, information will be provided about the project and the construction schedule, specifically identifying milestones to be completed in the following six month period. This will give residents and businesses in the area advance notice if the project is going to alter the current transportation system in the area. This will also allow businesses and local residents a chance to provide any information that will enhance the current execution of the project. Public meetings will also be held following the completion of the project to allow any additional feedback. It is also planned to complete a survey before and after the completion of the project to record how the project has enhanced the 16 P age

18 region and influenced the economic growth of nearby businesses. A true record of this growth will not be replaced until several years following the completion of this project. An additional survey will be done 1, 3 and 6 years after completion. PROJECT READINESS AND NEPA The US 1 Widening Project will be ready for construction by September South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has submitted environmental permits to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This project received a FONSI (Finding of No Significant Impact) from the Federal Highway Administration in January Legislative Approvals The US 1 Widening Project has full support from all State and local officials in the area including the four towns in the project area. South Carolina Department of Transportation Town of Batesburg-Leesville Town of Gilbert Town of Summit Town of Lexington Lexington County Council State and Local Planning The US 1 Widening Project is included in the South Carolina Department of Transportation Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) edition published on July 16, It is classified as a project that provides statewide significance. This project is also consistent with the CMCOG 2035 Rural Long Range Transportation Plan. Technical Feasibility The Environmental Assessment (EA) for the US 1 Widening Project was approved by FHWA on August 10, 2010 and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed by FHWA on January 26, The US 1 Widening Project Feasibility Study included an alternatives analysis, traffic analysis, and environmental overview. The study identified alternative alignments and associated right-ofway requirements and impacts, environmental constraints, determined conceptual project designs, and proposed construction costs for the alternatives. The expected benefits include improving regional transportation on existing roadways such as US Route 1 and the intersecting 17 P age

19 roadways, as well as enhancing the economic viability of existing industries while creating development opportunities for new industries. The conclusion of the costs, benefits and impacts proved it clear that the US 1 Widening Project was feasible and beneficial. Environmental impacts required but through careful design the intensity was reduced significantly. Design features of the proposed project are based on design criteria and policies of the SCDOT and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). In addition, design criteria outlined in SCDOT s Highway Design Manual was evaluated prior to preparation of the preliminary design plans. Financial Feasibility The Central Midlands Council of Governments (CMCOG), Columbia Area Transportation Study (COATS) and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) have extensive knowledge in managing and administering both state and federal grants. The CMCOG in partnership with SCDOT will manage the financial package for this project and ensure all funds are expended in a timely manner. As stated previously in this application, if funds are made available this project can begin construction by September SCDOT has also stated that any supplemental funding requirements needed for the completion of this project will be subject of approval by SCDOT Commission. PARTNERSHIP The State of South Carolina has made a substantial contribution to the completion of the US 1 Widening Project. This contribution has covered all preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisitioning and construction of Phase 1 (S-31 (W. Hampton Road) to S-24 (Priceville/Peach Festival Road). This project along has full support from all local and state agencies including the South Carolina Department of Transportation. 18 P age

20 FEDERAL WAGE CERTIFICATION 19 P age

21 PROJECT SCHEDULE The US 1 Widening Project will be put on an accelerated schedule to maximize the amount of employers to work. The road construction will be let by September 2013 to allow the project to be completed in a 3 year timeframe. For a complete project schedule, see Appendix III or go to our website: CHANGES TO THE PRE-APPLICATION There are only two material changes to the information contained in the submitted preapplication form. The amount of TIGER funds requested for this application has been reduced from $15,000,000 to $10,000,000. Thus the overall project cost has been reduced from $33 million to $28.6 million. 20 P age

22 APPENDIX I LETTERS OF SUPPORT 21 P age

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26 APPENDIX II FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT For a complete FONSI, go to our website: 25 P age

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28 APPENDIX III PROJECT SCHEDULE 27 P age

29 Activity ID Activity Name Original Duration B X - US 1 - Widen 5 Lanes From S-24 to SC d 11/28/2004 A 8/29/ d PE 2064d 12/2/2005 A 8/29/ d Program Development 1403d 12/2/2005 A 3/28/ d PM010 Program Action Request (PAR) 10d 12/2/2005 A 12/2/2005 A PM020 Plan & Conduct Project Production Team Field Review 20d 12/5/2005 A 1/19/2006 A PM050 Initial Studies Request 0d 6/21/2006 A PM030 Prepare Project Planning Report 5d 4/7/2008 A 4/23/2008 A B X - US 1 - Widen 5 Lanes From S-24 to SC 23 Start Finish Total Float Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 4 8/29/2014, B X - US 1 - Widen 5 Lanes From S-24 to SC 23 3/28/2012, Program Development 8/29/2014, PE PM055 Municipal Agreement (Batesburg-Leesville) 20d 3/1/2012 3/28/ d Municipal Agreement (Batesburg-Leesville) Preconstruction Management 1693d 12/14/2005 A 11/12/2013 0d 11/12/2013, Preconstruction Management PCM005 PE FMIS Approval Process 1d 12/14/2005 A 12/19/2005 A PCM010 PE Funding Obligation 0d 12/19/2005 A PCM020 R/W FMIS Approval Process 10d 2/10/2011 A 2/22/2011 A ocess PCM030 R/W Funding Obligation 0d 2/22/2011 A PCM040 Construction FMIS Approval Process 10d 7/22/2013 8/2/ d PCM050 Construction Funding Obligation 0d 9/30/2013* 0d PCM060 Letting 0d 11/12/2013* 0d Construction FMIS Approval Process Construction Funding Obligation Letting Surveys 1347d 2/8/2006 A 3/1/ d 3/1/2012, Surveys Field Surveys And Data Check 1307d 2/8/2006 A 12/14/2011 A 2/14/2011 A, Field Surveys And Data Check SURV020 Field Surveys 370d 2/8/2006 A 6/7/2006 A SURV010 Survey Request Received 0d 2/8/2006 A SURV030 Survey Data Check 5d 6/16/2006 A 6/20/2006 A SURV040 Survey Data Submittal 0d 6/21/2006 A SURV050 Supplemental Survey Request Received (1) 0d 12/13/2006 A SURV060 Supplemental Field Surveys (1) 0d 1/2/2007 A 2/1/2007 A SURV070 Supplemental Survey Data Check (1) 0d 2/6/2007 A 3/2/2007 A SURV080 Supplemental Survey Data Submittal (1) 0d 3/2/2007 A SURV090 Supplemental Survey Request Received (2) 0d 7/23/2007 A SURV100 Supplemental Field Surveys (2) 0d 7/31/2007 A 8/1/2007 A SURV110 Supplemental Survey Data Check (2) 0d 8/3/2007 A 8/8/2007 A SURV120 Supplemental Survey Data Submittal (2) 0d 8/8/2007 A SURV190 Supplemental Survey Request Received (3) 0d 3/9/2009 A SURV200 Supplemental Field Surveys (3) 0d 3/25/2009 A 3/26/2009 A SURV210 Supplemental Survey Data Check (3) 0d 4/9/2009 A 4/9/2009 A SURV220 Supplemental Survey Data Submittal (3) 0d 4/9/2009 A SURV240 Supplemental Field Surveys (4) 0d 11/17/2011 A 12/14/2011 A SURV230 Supplemental Survey Request Received (4) 0d 11/17/2011 A SURV250 Supplemental Survey Data Check (4) 0d 12/14/2011 A 12/14/2011 A SURV260 Supplemental Survey Data Submittal (4) 0d 12/14/2011 A upplemental Field Surveys (4) plemental Survey Request Received (4) upplemental Survey Data Check (4) upplemental Survey Data Submittal (4) Page 1 of 5

30 Activity ID Activity Name Original Duration Subsurface Utility Engineering 1340d 4/3/2006 A 3/1/ d SURV130 SUE Field Surveys 278d 4/3/2006 A 10/6/2006 A SURV140 SUE Survey Data Check 5d 10/17/2006 A 10/19/2006 A SURV150 SUE Survey Data Submittal 0d 10/23/2006 A B X - US 1 - Widen 5 Lanes From S-24 to SC 23 Start Finish Total Float Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 4 3/1/2012, Subsurface Utility Engineering SURV160 Supplemental SUE Field Surveys (1) 0d 3/1/2012 3/1/ d SURV170 Supplemental SUE Survey Data Check (1) 0d 3/1/2012 3/1/ d SURV180 Supplemental SUE Survey Data Submittal (1) 0d 3/1/ d Supplemental SUE Field Surveys (1) Supplemental SUE Survey Data Check (1) Supplemental SUE Survey Data Submittal (1) Utilities 1854d 10/19/2006 A 8/29/ d UT010 Utility Relocation Coordination 972d 10/19/2006 A 9/27/ d Utility Relocation Coordination 8/29/2014, Utilities UT020 Plans Sent to District 0d 3/1/ d UT030 Utility Agreement Coordination and Prep (Gas) 80d 3/1/2012 6/22/ d UT100 Utility Agreement Coordination and Prep (Water) 80d 3/1/2012 6/22/ d UT170 Utility Agreement Coordination and Prep (Sewer) 80d 3/1/2012 6/22/ d UT240 Utility Agreement Coordination and Prep (Power) 80d 3/1/2012 6/22/ d UT310 Utility Agreement Coordination and Prep (Telephone) 80d 3/1/2012 6/22/ d UT380 Utility Agreement Coordination and Prep (Cable Television) 80d 3/1/2012 6/22/ d UT050 Utility Agreement Review/Approval (Gas) 40d 6/25/2012 8/20/ d UT120 Utility Agreement Review/Approval (Water) 40d 6/25/2012 8/20/ d UT190 Utility Agreement Review/Approval (Sewer) 40d 6/25/2012 8/20/ d UT260 Utility Agreement Review/Approval (Power) 40d 6/25/2012 8/20/ d UT330 Utility Agreement Review/Approval (Telephone) 40d 6/25/2012 8/20/ d UT400 Utility Agreement Review/Approval (Cable Television) 40d 6/25/2012 8/20/ d UT070 Issue Utility Work Authorization (Gas) 0d 9/30/ d UT290 Relocation Work (Power) 120d 9/30/2013 3/14/ d UT360 Relocation Work (Telephone) 90d 9/30/2013 1/31/ d UT430 Relocation Work (Cable Television) 90d 9/30/2013 1/31/ d UT080 Relocation Work (Gas) 90d 9/30/2013 1/31/ d UT150 Relocation Work (Water) 90d 9/30/2013 1/31/ d UT220 Relocation Work (Sewer) 90d 9/30/2013 1/31/ d UT140 Issue Utility Work Authorization (Water) 0d 9/30/ d UT210 Issue Utility Work Authorization (Sewer) 0d 9/30/ d UT280 Issue Utility Work Authorization (Power) 0d 9/30/ d UT350 Issue Utility Work Authorization (Telephone) 0d 9/30/ d UT420 Issue Utility Work Authorization (Cable Television) 0d 9/30/ d UT450 All Utilities Authorized 0d 9/30/ d UT440 Relocation Work Invoicing (Cable Television) 60d 4/28/2014 7/18/ d UT370 Relocation Work Invoicing (Telephone) 60d 4/28/2014 7/18/ d UT090 Relocation Work Invoicing (Gas) 60d 4/28/2014 7/18/ d Plans Sent to District Utility Agreement Coordination and Prep (Gas) Utility Agreement Coordination and Prep (Water) Utility Agreement Coordination and Prep (Sewer) Utility Agreement Coordination and Prep (Power) Utility Agreement Coordination and Prep (Telephone) Utility Agreement Coordination and Prep (Cable Television) Utility Agreement Review/Approval (Gas) Utility Agreement Review/Approval (Water) Utility Agreement Review/Approval (Sewer) Utility Agreement Review/Approval (Power) Utility Agreement Review/Approval (Telephone) Utility Agreement Review/Approval (Cable Television) Issue Utility Work Authorization (Gas) Relocation Work (Power) Relocation Work (Telephone) Relocation Work (Cable Television) Relocation Work (Gas) Relocation Work (Water) Relocation Work (Sewer) Issue Utility Work Authorization (Water) Issue Utility Work Authorization (Sewer) Issue Utility Work Authorization (Power) Issue Utility Work Authorization (Telephone) Issue Utility Work Authorization (Cable Television) All Utilities Authorized Relocation Work Invoicing (Cable Television) Relocation Work Invoicing (Telephone) Relocation Work Invoicing (Gas) Page 2 of 5

31 Activity ID Activity Name Original Start Finish Total Duration Float Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 4 UT160 Relocation Work Invoicing (Water) 60d 4/28/2014 7/18/ d Relocation Work Invoicing (Water) UT230 Relocation Work Invoicing (Sewer) 60d 4/28/2014 7/18/ d UT300 Relocation Work Invoicing (Power) 60d 6/9/2014 8/29/ d UT460 All Utility Invoices Paid 0d 8/29/ d Environmental 1346d 10/26/2006 A 8/28/ d ENV010 Prepare Eminent Domain & Advertise 20d 10/26/2006 A 11/2/2006 A ENV020 Cultural/Natural Resources Identified 180d 4/23/2008 A 8/2/2010 A ENV050 PPR Received 0d 4/23/2008 A ENV040 Biological Assessment 240d 6/1/2009 A 6/29/2009 A B X - US 1 - Widen 5 Lanes From S-24 to SC 23 8/28/2013, Environmental Relocation Work Invoicing (Sewer) Relocation Work Invoicing (Power) All Utility Invoices Paid ENV030 Jurisdictional Determination 180d 1/12/2010 A 3/23/2011 A nation Environmental Documents 1051d 4/23/2008 A 6/29/ d EA 1051d 4/23/2008 A 6/29/ d 6/29/2012, Environmental Documents 6/29/2012, EA ENVEA010 Prepare EA Document - FHWA Document Approval 154d 4/23/2008 A 8/10/2010 A ment Approval ENVEA0101 Studies Complete 144d 4/23/2008 A 8/3/2010 A ENVEA0102 Document Approved 0d 8/10/2010 A ENVEA0201 Conduct Public Hearing 0d 9/23/2010 A ENVEA020 Public Hearing Prepartation and FONSI Approval Process 189d 1/7/2011 A 1/26/2011 A on and FONSI Approval Process ENVEA0204 FONSI Approval 0d 1/26/2011 A ENVEA0202 Address Public Hearing Comments 64d 3/1/2012 5/31/ d ENVEA0203 Submit PH Certification and FONSI Document 21d 6/1/2012 6/29/ d Environmental Permitting 427d 1/4/2011 A 8/28/ d ENVP010 Permits Preparation/Mitigation 100d 1/4/2011 A 7/23/ d ENVP150 ICOE - Individual Corps of Engineers Permit 280d 7/24/2012 8/28/ d Address Public Hearing Comments Submit PH Certification and FONSI Document 8/28/2013, Environmental Permitting Permits Preparation/Mitigation ICOE - Individual Corps of Engineers Permit Hydrology 316d 3/3/2008 A 9/21/2011 A Roadway Hydrology 316d 3/3/2008 A 9/21/2011 A 11 A, Hydrology 11 A, Roadway Hydrology HY090 Roadway Hydrology Request Received 0d 3/3/2008 A HY100 Drainage Design Study 185d 5/27/2008 A 9/21/2011 A HY120 NPDES Study 46d 8/30/2011 A 9/21/2011 A e Design Study Study Road Design 1639d 1/20/2006 A 4/19/ d 4/19/2013, Road Design Preliminary Design 127d 1/20/2006 A 1/12/2007 A RDPD010 Prepare Survey Request 5d 1/20/2006 A 1/23/2006 A RDPD030 Geometric Design 93d 10/13/2006 A 1/12/2007 A ROW Plans 1231d 6/21/2006 A 8/14/ d 8/14/2012, ROW Plans RDRW010 Final Topography 116d 6/21/2006 A 6/29/2007 A RDRW040 Geometric Design Received 0d 1/11/2007 A RDRW050 Design Field Review Plans 185d 6/29/2007 A 6/23/2009 A RDRW110 R/W Plans 218d 6/29/2007 A 3/26/2010 A RDRW065 Request Drainage / NPDES Study 0d 3/8/2008 A Page 3 of 5

32 Activity ID Activity Name Original Start Finish Total Duration Float Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 4 RDRW085 Preliminary R/W Plans Complete 0d 1/16/2009 A RDRW042 Submit Pavement Design Request 0d 6/23/2009 A RDRW060 Design Field Review 0d 6/25/2009 A RDRW043 Pavement Design Received 0d 6/25/2009 A RDRW075 Drainage / NPDES Design Received 0d 3/26/2010 A RDRW095 Preliminary R/W Plans Field Review 0d 4/13/2010 A RDRW125 R/W Plans Checked 0d 4/29/2010 A B X - US 1 - Widen 5 Lanes From S-24 to SC 23 RDRW140 R/W Plans Submitted to R/W Office 0d 2/25/2011 A o R/W Office RDRW120 R/W Plans QA Review & Signatures 116d 3/1/2012 8/14/ d Road Plans 613d 11/2/2010 A 4/19/ d RDCP040-2 Culvert/Special Box Plans (8x6 CIP) d 11/2/2010 A 8/14/ d RDCP040-1 Culvert/Special Box Plans (6x4 CIP) d 3/1/2011 A 8/14/ d RDCP053 Roadway Construction Plans 93d 4/18/2011 A 6/1/ d RDCP052 Construction Field Review 0d 3/1/ d RDCP040-3 Culvert/Special Box Plans (4x4 CIP) d 8/15/2012 9/12/ d RDCP040-4 Culvert/Special Box Plans (8x8 CIP) d 9/13/ /9/ d RDCP040-5 Culvert/Special Box Plans (3x3 CIP) d 10/10/ /6/ d RDCP040-6 Culvert/Special Box Plans (3x3 CIP) d 11/7/ /5/ d RDCP060 Construction Plans QA Review & Signatures 93d 12/6/2012 4/18/ d RDCP065 Construction Plans Checked 0d 12/19/ d RDCP085 Signed and Sealed Plans 0d 4/18/ d RDCP080 Roadway Estimate/Special Provisions 1d 4/19/2013 4/19/ d Geotechnical 144d 4/14/2010 A 6/15/ d Preliminary Design 75d 3/1/2012 6/15/ d GT010 Preliminary Road and Bridge Borings Requested 10d 3/1/2012 3/14/ d GT020 Preliminary Road Design Analysis and Report 50d 4/5/2012 6/15/ d Final Design 103d 4/14/2010 A 5/23/ d GT050 Final Road Design Analysis and Report 60d 4/14/2010 A 5/23/ d R/W Plans QA Review & Signatures 4/19/2013, Road Plans Culvert/Special Box Plans (8x6 CIP) Culvert/Special Box Plans (6x4 CIP) Roadway Construction Plans Construction Field Review Culvert/Special Box Plans (4x4 CIP) Culvert/Special Box Plans (8x8 CIP) Culvert/Special Box Plans (3x3 CIP) Culvert/Special Box Plans (3x3 CIP) Construction Plans QA Review & Signatures Construction Plans Checked Signed and Sealed Plans Roadway Estimate/Special Provisions 6/15/2012, Geotechnical 6/15/2012, Preliminary Design Preliminary Road and Bridge Borings Requested Preliminary Road Design Analysis and Report 5/23/2012, Final Design Final Road Design Analysis and Report GT040 Final Road and Bridge Borings Requested 10d 5/19/2010 A 4/13/2011 A ge Borings Requested Traffic Engineering 40d 3/1/2012 4/25/ d TE030 Pavement Marking 20d 3/1/2012 3/28/ d TE010 Gather Traffic and Accident Data 20d 3/1/2012 3/28/ d TE020 Traffic Design 40d 3/1/2012 4/25/ d TE040 Traffic Control 20d 3/1/2012 3/28/ d TE050 Signal Design 20d 3/29/2012 4/25/ d ROW 758d 6/21/2010 A 7/19/ d ROW Funding Approval 116d 6/21/2010 A 3/1/ d ROW010 Verify Property Owners 116d 6/21/2010 A 3/1/ d 4/25/2012, Traffic Engineering Pavement Marking Gather Traffic and Accident Data Traffic Design Traffic Control Signal Design 3/1/2012, ROW Funding Approval Verify Property Owners 7/19/2013, ROW Page 4 of 5

33 Activity ID Activity Name Original Start Finish Total Duration Float Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 4 ROW020 R/W Estimates 116d 7/1/2010 A 2/22/2011 A ROW Acquisition Process 557d 5/20/2011 A 7/19/ d ROW060 R/W Negotiation 324d 5/20/2011 A 6/11/ d ROW050 R/W Appraisals 232d 9/15/2011 A 2/1/ d ROW070 R/W Condemnations Filed 30d 2/4/2013 3/15/ d ROW090 Relocation Assistance 120d 2/4/2013 7/19/ d ROW080 R/W Condemnations Tried/Settled 1d 3/18/2013 3/18/ d Construction 1310d 11/28/2004 A 6/7/ d Research & Materials Lab 1310d 11/28/2004 A 6/7/ d RM020 Pavement Design 30d 11/28/2004 A 12/28/2004 A RM025 Pavement Design Review 1d 3/1/2007 A 3/27/2007 A B X - US 1 - Widen 5 Lanes From S-24 to SC 23 6/7/2012, Construction R/W Appraisals 7/19/2013, ROW Acquisition Process R/W Negotiation R/W Condemnations Filed 6/7/2012, Research & Materials Lab Relocation Assistance R/W Condemnations Tried/Settled RM010 Pavement Geotechnical Investigations 69d 3/1/2012 6/7/ d RM060 Road Final Borings 30d 3/1/2012 4/11/ d RM050 Road Preliminary Borings 15d 3/15/2012 4/4/ d Pavement Geotechnical Investigations Road Final Borings Road Preliminary Borings Page 5 of 5