[{"_1":2,"_115":-5,"_116":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,85,95,105],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":-5,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6107300,"mediaKeyId","2776878-4732f00969539005e99fda3bfe923171","parentId",2776878,"title","State approves major forestry conservation package and transfer to secure $50 million federal Forest Legacy grant","audioSeconds",180,"startMs",3340000,"endMs",3520000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2776878-4732f00969539005e99fda3bfe923171&start=3340&end=3520","thumbnailUrl","https://d352y6ypj4mjo3.cloudfront.net/AudioPlaceholder.png","articleUrl","/articles/6107300/South-Carolina/State-approves-major-forestry-conservation-package-and-transfer-to-secure-50-million-federal-Forest-Legacy-grant","mediaUrl","author","South Carolina Legislature","date","2025-03-26T00:00:00Z","article","The Joint Bond Review Committee reviewed and approved components of the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s PD Basin Resource Management Services Initiative, a multi‑component land protection package that includes acquisition and conservation easements to protect more than 62,000 acres across Georgetown, Marion and Williamsburg counties.

The initiative includes a fee‑simple purchase of an 880‑acre parcel adjacent to the Wambaw (Wheatee) State Forest near the Santee River and conservation easements covering roughly 61,340 acres to limit incompatible development, preserve water resources, working forests and habitat, and increase climate resilience in the region. The acquisition and easement work represent cooperation among federal, state and private partners, with funding from timber sales revenue, the South Carolina Conservation Bank, Acres for America, Lowcountry Land Trust, Longleaf Alliance, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, U.S. Forest Service funds and other sources.

The South Carolina Office of Resilience asked the committee to review a proposed transfer of $17,777,000 from the disaster relief and resilience reserve fund to the Forestry Commission as the required state match for a $50,000,000 grant awarded through the U.S. Forest Service Forest Legacy Program. The committee was told that, after the proposed transfer, the disaster reserve fund would retain a balance of $120,530,539.

Agency materials said a Phase 1 environmental site assessment for the 880‑acre parcel found no recognized environmental conditions and that portions of the land would be added to the state forest and opened for public recreation. Letters of local support were noted from Georgetown County and the Georgetown County School District. The committee reviewed the package and the transfer request and the item stands approved in the meeting record.

What the committee approved: Committee minutes show approval to establish phase 2 of the final land acquisition for the permanent improvement project and no objection to the proposed transfer of reserve funds to support the federal grant match.","mediaType","Audio","parentTitle","Joint Bond Review Committee Mar 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Joint Bond Review Committee approved the Forestry Commission’s PD Basin Resource Management Services Initiative and a request by the Office of Resilience to transfer $17,777,000 from the disaster relief and resilience reserve fund as state match for a $50 million U.S. Forest Service Forest Legacy grant.","taxTitle","2025 Legislative Meetings, South Carolina","taxId",78666,"location","South Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":50,"_51":82,"_53":-5,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6107305,"DSS seeks short‑term Columbia lease citing staff safety; committee hears questions about long‑term space strategy",347,447000,794000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2776878-4732f00969539005e99fda3bfe923171&start=447&end=794","/articles/6107305/South-Carolina/DSS-seeks-shortterm-Columbia-lease-citing-staff-safety-committee-hears-questions-about-longterm-space-strategy","The South Carolina Department of Social Services requested committee review of a proposed 22‑month lease for 24,683 square feet at 1628 Browning Road in Columbia to serve as temporary office space while the agency relocates to the new Richland County Family Services Center.

The Department of Administration said the site was the least expensive of two responses to its solicitation; the initial rental rate is $15.85 per square foot with a 3% increase thereafter and total rent over the initial term estimated at $727,120. The department said rent and operating expenses will be paid from state appropriations, federal funds and Medicaid, and that funding will be sufficient for the lease term.

During the committee discussion, members raised broader questions about long‑term space planning for DSS and the Department of Environmental Services (DES), referencing prior committee conversations about the Otterra (Oterra) complex and moving agencies off the Bull Street corridor. Ashley Lancaster, Department of Administration, said the department had conducted a second solicitation for DES and DSS sites, had received several responses, and that proposers could include build‑to‑suit offers; she said a proposer ‘‘could propose a build to suit that would be leased back to the state’’ and that constructing a state‑owned building would require General Assembly appropriation.

Committee direction and outcome: The committee approved the short‑term lease during the meeting. Committee members asked that Administration continue work on long‑term options, including whether build‑to‑suit proposals should be pursued or if the state should consider capital construction with legislative appropriation.

What the transcript shows: The item was presented as a short‑term relocation need driven by staff safety concerns at the current location; the Department of Administration affirmed that comparable commercial rates in the area were higher than the selected offer.","The Department of Social Services asked the Joint Bond Review Committee to approve a 22‑month lease for temporary Columbia office space, citing staff safety concerns at its current site and the need to relocate while the agency moves into a new county family services center.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":50,"_51":92,"_53":-5,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":93,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":94,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6107314,"Joint Bond Review Committee carries over College of Charleston land purchase after closing‑cost oversight",2157,1153000,3310000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2776878-4732f00969539005e99fda3bfe923171&start=1153&end=3310","/articles/6107314/South-Carolina/Joint-Bond-Review-Committee-carries-over-College-of-Charleston-land-purchase-after-closingcost-oversight","The Joint Bond Review Committee carried over final approval of the College of Charleston’s planned purchase of downtown property after committee members asked for more detail about closing costs and fees tied to the transaction.

Committee members questioned why the college’s capital project request listed a $75,000,000 purchase price while related bond paperwork accounted for additional closing and carrying costs. Paul Patrick, College of Charleston, said the closing totaled $75,300,000 and described the omission as “an oversight on behalf of the College of Charleston.”

The committee pursued the matter after members flagged a $175,000 assignment fee paid to the College of Charleston Foundation and asked for a full breakdown of foundation and attorney fees related to exercising an option on the property. Scott O’Connor, identified in the meeting as a committee participant, urged the college to discuss contractual protections that would limit the state’s exposure to unexpected environmental remediation costs in related downtown property exchanges.

Why it matters: Committee members said they rely on institutional due diligence under Act 214 and want clearer accounting before authorizing capital project adjustments. The transaction also ties to a larger development plan the college described—demolition of an existing parking garage and a planned mixed‑use project financed in part with revenue bonds.

Key details: The college described two linked agenda items: one authorizing debt issuance for $78,000,000 (intended to cover acquisition plus closing and carrying costs) and a separate capital project item to record the purchase price. Patrick told the committee the debt authorization was correct; the capital project entry omitted the closing cost and must be corrected to $75,300,000. Patrick said the foundation exercised an option on the property and that the option payment was applied to the sale price.

Committee direction and next steps: Committee members asked that the college provide a full breakdown of the closing costs and the $175,000 fee paid to the foundation and requested that the item be carried over until those materials are provided. One committee member asked that the college explain its processes to avoid similar oversights in future submissions. The committee did not vote to approve the revised capital project during the meeting.

Context: The property acquisition was presented as part of a larger College of Charleston plan to add residential beds via redevelopment of multiple parcels downtown. Committee members emphasized the speed and competition of the real estate market as factors in the college’s timeline but said that factual transparency and complete budget submissions remain essential.

What the transcript shows: The item was carried over for further review and the college agreed to provide the requested fee breakdown and contractual terms related to environmental cost allocation.","The Joint Bond Review Committee carried over final approval of the College of Charleston’s planned downtown property purchase after members asked for a detailed breakdown of closing costs and an assignment fee paid to the college’s foundation.",{"_33":96,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":97,"_41":98,"_43":99,"_45":100,"_47":101,"_49":50,"_51":102,"_53":-5,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":103,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":104,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6107295,"Votes at a glance: Joint Bond Review Committee actions and approvals",3696,14000,3710000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2776878-4732f00969539005e99fda3bfe923171&start=14&end=3710","/articles/6107295/South-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Joint-Bond-Review-Committee-actions-and-approvals","The Joint Bond Review Committee reviewed a series of leases, facility projects, and land acquisitions during its meeting and approved the majority of items by unanimous consent. Committee members carried over a small number of items for additional documentation. The following is a summary of items presented in the meeting record and the committee’s stated outcome.

Items approved (by consent as recorded in transcript):

- South Carolina Public Service Authority: Acquire ~3.48 acres near Lily Road in Monks Corner; property to be conveyed for nominal consideration of $5. Outcome: approved by consent.

- South Carolina Forestry Commission: Authorization to acquire two replacement fixed‑wing aircraft (additional FY24 carryforward funds requested). Outcome: approved by consent (see separate article).

- Clemson University: Lease of 16,925 square feet at 215 Innovation Drive, Greenville, from LICAR LLC for research and DoD contract support; 10‑year term at $19.20/sq ft; upfit cost not to exceed $5,900,000; total rent projected $3,500,000. Outcome: approved by consent.

- Department of Social Services: Short‑term lease for 24,683 sq ft at 1628 Browning Road, Columbia — 22‑month term at $15.85/sq ft; total initial term ~$727,120. Outcome: approved by consent (see separate article).

- South Carolina Retirement System Investment Commission: Lease 19,700 sq ft at 1201 Main Street, Columbia; 7‑year term at $20.32/sq ft; estimated total rent $3,000,000; parking costs estimated up to $30,000/year paid to the city. Outcome: approved by consent.

- State Fiscal Accountability Authority: Lease 40,330 sq ft at 1333 Main Street, Columbia; term ~10 years and 4 months beginning upon landlord renovations; rental rate $19.50/sq ft; total rent projected $9,693,548; landlord to provide parking and some free rent. Outcome: approved by consent.

- Capital budget permanent improvement projects: The committee reviewed a large package of permanent improvement projects submitted by the Capital Budget Office (69 proposals totaling $152,600,000 in budget changes, with projects estimated at $753,000,000). Many items were approved on block; the committee reserved full review for selected projects. Outcome: approved by consent unless a member objected; one member asked questions about item 14 and other items were carried for review when requested.

- Multiple university capital projects and purchases (College of Charleston Berry Residence Hall renovations; Berry Residence Hall increases; Coastal Carolina Health & Human Performance building; USC STEM and Jones Building renovations; USC property purchases and other university projects) — presented and, where no objections were raised, the items were recorded as approved or moved forward for standard contracting steps. Outcome: majority approved or advanced; specific items with follow‑up are noted in meeting record.

Items carried over or tabled:

- College of Charleston final land acquisition (phase 2): Carried over pending a breakdown of closing costs and an explanation of the $175,000 assignment fee paid to the foundation; committee requested additional documentation and contractual language regarding environmental cost allocation before final approval. Outcome: carried over.

Other items recorded as information: The University of South Carolina Brain Health Center semiannual report was received as information; the committee recorded that regulatory approvals were in place and the project is proceeding with demolition, abatement, and upfit work underway.

Note: The transcript records approvals as “item stands approved” or “no objection” in many instances; the meeting record did not contain roll‑call votes for those approvals in the provided transcript.","The Joint Bond Review Committee reviewed multiple lease, purchase and capital project items and recorded approvals by unanimous consent for most items; several items were carried over for further documentation. This roundup lists each agenda item mentioned in the transcript with the committee outcome as recorded on the public record.",{"_33":106,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":107,"_41":108,"_43":109,"_45":110,"_47":111,"_49":50,"_51":112,"_53":-5,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":113,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":114,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6107310,"Forestry Commission seeks authorization to buy two replacement aircraft as prices rise",296,67000,363000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2776878-4732f00969539005e99fda3bfe923171&start=67&end=363","/articles/6107310/South-Carolina/Forestry-Commission-seeks-authorization-to-buy-two-replacement-aircraft-as-prices-rise","The South Carolina Forestry Commission requested committee authorization to acquire two fixed‑wing aircraft to replace aging aircraft in its fleet, which the commission said range from about 46 to 60 years old.

State Forester Scott Phillips told the committee the commission historically relied on the federal excess property program but that market prices for replacement aircraft had risen since funds were first appropriated. The item presented that the original appropriation under Proviso 118.19(b)(40) for fiscal year 2022–2023 was $425,000, and the commission requested an additional $1,000,000 in FY24 carryforward funds to facilitate the purchase of two aircraft.

The agency said replacement airframes under consideration were likely Cessna 182T turboprops with low hours and that used examples 3–10 years old were being seen in the market in the mid‑six‑hundreds of thousands per aircraft; the commission proposed a budget buffer to secure appropriate airframes. The commission described multiple mission uses for the planes, including wildland fire detection and suppression, storm damage and insect/disease assessment, forest health management, training, and support for other state agencies.

Questions from committee members focused on the price increase and timing: a member asked why the agency did not act sooner after funds were appropriated; the agency responded that national inflation and rising aircraft pricing had increased costs before the agency completed due diligence and exercised acquisition authority. The committee approved the request by unanimous consent during the meeting.

What the committee approved: Committee minutes show the item “stands approved” following discussion; no roll‑call vote was recorded in the transcript.","South Carolina Forestry Commission asked the Joint Bond Review Committee to authorize acquisition of two fixed‑wing aircraft to replace aging planes. The commission said fleet aircraft range from 46 to 60 years old; the purchase will use prior appropriations plus carryforward funds because market prices exceeded initial estimates.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

State approves major forestry conservation package and transfer to secure $50 million federal Forest Legacy grant

DSS seeks short‑term Columbia lease citing staff safety; committee hears questions about long‑term space strategy

Joint Bond Review Committee carries over College of Charleston land purchase after closing‑cost oversight

Votes at a glance: Joint Bond Review Committee actions and approvals

Forestry Commission seeks authorization to buy two replacement aircraft as prices rise