Charleston County RoadWise News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Cheryl Harleston, Charleston County RoadWise Public and Media Relations

Phone: (843) 329-0050, Extension 2512

Email: Charleston@ccroadwise.org

Release Number: 2760

Release Date: November 22, 2006

See photos of Comcast show taping and Web site home page: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/newsImages/roadwise.htm

Charleston County RoadWise Launches New Web Site, Comcast Cable Weekly Show

            Visit www.ccroadwise.org and see Comcast Channel 2 for "Half-Cent" Sales Tax updates

Charleston County RoadWise announces a new Web site and a new weekly show on Comcast Cable (Channel 2) to educate the public about the road projects being funding with the Transportation "Half-Cent" Sales Tax.

The new RoadWise Web site, www.ccroadwise.org, features the history and background of the 2004 Transportation Sales Tax referendum, road project lists and construction status, and public meeting schedules and summaries.

"In this electronic age, the Web site is a highly effective way to keep many residents fully informed of Charleston County RoadWise projects," said Cheryl Harleston, Public and Media Relations Coordinator for Charleston County RoadWise. "By visiting the new Web site, residents can stay up-to-date on how their half-cent sales tax is being used, as well as get their questions answered and give us additional feedback." 

The new site functions as an online communication tool between Charleston County RoadWise and the citizens of Charleston County. Visitors can view project construction photos, schedules and project status reports. In addition, they will have access to past public meeting information and schedules for the upcoming meetings.

"The main goal was to keep the site simple, informative and easy to navigate, and to include photos and information so people can follow along with the projects they're interested in," added RoadWise's Office Manager Lynda McMillan, who designed the new site. "We look forward to receiving questions, comments and feedback from the public through our electronic public comment form."

Previously RoadWise used Charleston County's www.smallchangeforbigchange.org, which had acted as the county's umbrella Web site for information on both the greenbelts and transportation portions of the Transportation Sales Tax.

Greenbelts information continues to be updated on this site (www.smallchangeforbigchange.org); however, the new RoadWise site www.ccroadwise.org will enable staff to focus on including an abundance of information specifically on road projects.

"Visitors can look forward to receiving RoadWise related traffic reports and news updates throughout the duration of the program," McMillan said.

In addition to the new Web site, Charleston County RoadWise is using another tool to educate the public: a local cable show.  

Cheryl Harleston, Charleston County RoadWise Public & Media Relations Coordinator, is hosting a local program through Comcast. The show is already airing, and is a public service that is provided at no cost to the County. 

The weekly RoadWise show airs:

-        Monday thru Friday at 1:30 p.m.,

-        Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m.

-        Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00 a.m.

Some of the topics so far have been:

-        History of the Transportation ("Half-Cent") Sales Tax

-        Financial Management of the Sales Tax Money Received

-        Completed Projects

-        Harbor View Road project

-        Citizens involvement in the design process

-        Expansion of the Palmetto Commerce Parkway on jobs and business development in the business park.

-        Discussion on traffic issues in the City of Charleston and how the Transportation Sales Tax and Charleston County RoadWise Program will address these long standing problems

-        Discussion on the extent of the drainage problems in Charleston County, their current condition and how they will be addressed through the Charleston County RoadWise program and the Transportation Sales Tax

-        Discussion on how the State Infrastructure Bank contributes to the ability of the Charleston County Government to leverage Transportation Sales Tax dollars, therefore increasing opportunities to fund road and highway projects.