Emily Poole advocates for House Bill 4050 to enhance local government infrastructure planning

In a pivotal meeting of the South Carolina House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee, discussions centered around two significant pieces of legislation, House Bill 3861 and House Bill 4050, aimed at addressing the challenges posed by rapid development in local communities. As the committee convened, the atmosphere was charged with urgency, reflecting the pressing need for effective policy tools to manage growth and infrastructure demands.

One of the key topics was the concept of "concurrency," a mechanism designed to ensure that public infrastructure and services are developed in tandem with new construction projects. Proponents argued that this approach not only prevents overburdening existing systems but also protects taxpayers from footing the bill for necessary improvements. A committee member emphasized that concurrency is not a moratorium but rather a proactive strategy to manage growth effectively.

Emily Poole, a staff attorney with the South Carolina Environmental Law Project, voiced strong support for House Bill 4050, highlighting the critical role of concurrency in local governance. She described how explosive development pressures local governments, which often struggle to keep pace with the demands for public services. Poole illustrated her point with a case from Edgefield County, where a proposed development led to litigation due to a lack of infrastructure planning. She argued that if concurrency had been in place, it could have facilitated a collaborative solution between the developer and local government, potentially avoiding costly legal battles.

The discussion also touched on misconceptions surrounding concurrency, with some critics labeling it as "extortion." Poole countered this narrative, asserting that the real pressure lies on local governments striving to create sustainable futures for their communities. She urged committee members to recognize the importance of providing local governments with the tools they need to foster cooperation with developers, ultimately paving the way for responsible growth.

As the meeting progressed, questions arose regarding the practical implementation of concurrency. Poole clarified that the process would involve collaboration between local governments and developers, ensuring that infrastructure needs are identified and addressed before new projects are approved. This collaborative approach aims to create a framework where both parties can work together to meet community needs while facilitating development.

The committee's deliberations on these bills reflect a broader recognition of the challenges faced by South Carolina's municipalities in managing growth. As the state continues to experience rapid development, the outcomes of these discussions could significantly shape the future of local governance and infrastructure planning, ensuring that growth is both sustainable and beneficial for all residents.