Pennies 2 Program

On November 4, 2003, the residents of York County voted to implement a $173 million program designed to make county roads better and safer.  The referendum was approved by the citizens on York County, with 73% of the voters in favor of the tax.  The County collected a total of approximately $184 million.

The 2003 York County Capital Projects Sales and Use Tax Program, also known as Pennies for Progress 2, was a continuation of the previous 1-cent sales tax program passed by referendum in November 1997. The 2003 1-cent sales tax went into effect on September 1, 2004 (the date the 1997 1-cent sales tax expired) and was in place for 7 full years. It expired in September 2011.

Project Types

The projects included in the program are as follows:
  • Bikeways
  • Bridge Construction/Replacement
  • Gravel Road Upgrades
  • Highway Safety Improvements
  • Intersection Improvements
  • Multi-Lane Widening
  • Sidewalks

Commission

  • Niel Welborn, Chairman
  • David Anderson
  • Frank Campbell
  • Doug Ferguson
  • Jerry Helms
  • Charles Whitesides

Accomplishments


  • 4 Bridges Repaired, Replaced or Widened
  • 23 Miles of County Gravel Roads Upgraded and Paved
  • 43 Major Intersections Improved
  • 43 Miles of Highway Improvements
  • Concentration on Highway Safety

Staff Managed Program

In 2008, York County staff took over the management of the program which included oversight of the planning, design, right-of-way acquisition and construction for all these projects. Check out the project phases to find out more about each step a project must endure.

It will take approximately 8 more years to complete construction on the Pennies 2 road projects. During this time, information on the projects will be available through local media; as well as, the individual project pages on this website.
 
With so many county-wide projects on the list, everyone will benefit. Whether you are taking your kids to school or trying to get across town for a business meeting, traveling in York County will be much easier and safer.

Cost Assessment

An assessment of the Pennies 2 Program was completed in late 2008 to incorporate the most up-to-date costs estimates and provide a clear picture as to where the program stood financially. It was quickly realized with the downturn in the economy, continued rise in construction material costs (especially asphalt), and limited work forces, prices to complete the work have increased significantly. On March 16, 2009, it was estimated the program needs an additional $169 million to complete all 25 projects on the list. With that considered, a majority of the Pennies 2 projects that were in danger of not being funded were carried-over to the Pennies 3 Program to ensure they could be completed.

Contact Information

For questions concerning the Pennies for Progress 2 program, please call the York County Engineering Department at 803-684-8571.