Today’s date:    May 17, 2006

Contact:           Cheryl Harleston, Charleston County RoadWise Public and Media Relations

Phone:              843.329.0050, Extension: 2512

Email:               Charleston@ccroadwise.com

SEE PHOTOS OF GROUNDBREAKING: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/NewsImages/sign.htm

Construction Begins on First Large Transportation (“Half-Cent”) Sales Tax Road Project

            County Council Chairman Leon Stavrinakis and North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey participate in groundbreaking ceremony for Palmetto Commerce Parkway – Phase I

Charleston County held a groundbreaking ceremony for Palmetto Commerce Parkway - Phase I on May 17 at the project’s construction site in North Charleston. The ceremony marks the beginning of the first bonded project to be funded by the Transportation (“Half-Cent”) Sales Tax.

Charleston County Council Chairman Leon Stavrinakis presided over the ceremony. Remarks were also made by North Charleston Mayor R. Keith Summey and Charleston County Administrator Roland Windham, Jr. Several council members from both Charleston County and the city of North Charleston attended the event and participated in the actual groundbreaking.

The groundbreaking ceremony was the official kick-off for the construction of the project, although initial activities such as clearing, began on April 25.

The first bonded project extends a section of the Palmetto Commerce Parkway in North Charleston and consists of the widening of the existing parkway from two to four lanes, as well as the extension of the Parkway to the new DaimlerChrysler facility near Future Drive. The existing Palmetto Commerce Parkway begins at Ladson Road (S-76) and extends for approximately 1.7 miles to a dead end. The extension will continue from this dead end approximately 1,500 feet to the new DaimlerChrysler facility, currently under construction. The project is expected to be completed by January 31, 2007.

Design and planning activities for Palmetto Commerce Parkway - Phase II are scheduled to occur for the next 12 to 18 months, and construction of Phase II is anticipated to be completed in 2009. Phase II will ultimately connect to Ashley Phosphate Road near Spartan Drive.

The extension of the Palmetto Commerce Parkway will allow for the safe and convenient travel of residents throughout the County and will also help to ensure the success of the Palmetto Commerce Park, which is currently the home of such employers as American LaFrance, DaimlerChrysler, FoodHandlers, Shimano, Holset Turbochargers, Mercedes Benz Lenkungen (now Thyssen Krupp), MTU Driveshafts, Western Star Suppliers and Western Star Trucks.

To date, these companies have brought 2,096 jobs into the community and a capital investment of $191.7 million.

Improved traffic circulation resulting from the widening and extension of the parkway will help establish the area as a first-class business park.

The Transportation Sales Tax was approved by Charleston County voters in 2004 and implemented by business establishments in 2005.

Visit the official Charleston County Transportation (“Half-Cent”) Sales Tax Web site at www.smallchangeforbigchange.org for public meeting notices and up to date news and information.