S.C. legislation would offer relief to businesses hurt by road construction
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Bright orange construction cones are a daily sight for many drivers across South Carolina.
They’re often signs of improvement and growth – but could also mean hard times for businesses along roads where work is happening – especially if it’s delayed.
New legislation could provide relief to small businesses impacted by road construction.
“At times, it gets so confusing trying to get in here, you would think that we’re closed,” said James Etheridge, owner of a business called Southern Crave.
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Right in front of Etheridge’s business is the ongoing roadwork on Hardscrabble Road in Richland County.
The project is several years behind schedule – and business owners up and down the road say it’s hurt their bottom lines.
“Our business has declined — some weeks, 60%,” Etheridge said.
“Potential clients have said that it’s just a maze to try to get over here. They don’t want to be bothered. It’s too much,” said Danielle Spencer, owner of Lust Nails and Spa.
They’ve tried to adjust.
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The nail salon hoped large signs and shifted hours would bring in more customers.
And the adult day-care center across the street redid its building layout to make it easier to get in and out.
“We’re talking very expensive. It was just one thing after another that we had not anticipated in our budget,” said Mary Miller McClellan, owner of 3 Generations Adult Day Care.
A new bipartisan bill in the South Carolina General Assembly would establish a program for small businesses to apply for zero-interest and forgivable loans – to help with costs incurred because of construction on their road.
They’d have to meet certain requirements – like their business being open by the end of 2024 and having no more than 100 employees. They’d also have to be able to show their revenue has dropped at least 25% during construction.
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The South Carolina Department of Commerce would oversee the program.
The amount available in loans would depend on how much the General Assembly chooses to allocate for the program.
“These are mom-and-pop shops, the service providers, the family restaurant, the economic lifeline into our neighborhoods,” said Rep. Hamilton Grant, D-Richland, the bill’s lead sponsor.
It would also only apply to state road projects that have been delayed at least 36 months from when they were initially supposed to be finished.
“This bill is about more than relief; it’s about fairness. It’s about ensuring that the cost of progress isn’t shouldered solely on the small businesses that make our communities vibrant and strong,” Grant said.
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The bill was just introduced last week, and the legislative session ends Thursday – so it won’t become law this year.
But this is the first of a two-year session – so lawmakers can pick it up when they return in January.
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