Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone:  843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3047

Date: September 4, 2009

Charleston County Sells Compost for $2 per 40-Pound Bag

Charleston County's Environmental Management Department is selling 40-pound bags of compost for $2 per bag.

Compost is a rich material that can help plants absorb nutrients and increase soil aeration and water holding capacity. The compost for sale in Charleston County is made from residential yard waste that is picked up at the curb by the various municipal trash hauling companies.

Residents can purchase the compost at the Bees Ferry Landfill Compost Facility and at the Charleston County Recycling Center located at 13 Romney Street downtown. Citizens should be aware that they need to be able to load the bags into their vehicles on their own.

BUYING COMPOST AT THE BEES FERRY LANDFILL:

• The Bees Ferry Landfill (1344 Bees Ferry Road in West Ashley) will operate compost sales Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• To purchase compost, visit the scale house, which is the small white building at the front of the landfill.
• The employee at the scale house will issue a receipt that will need to be presented at the compost facility where purchasers can pick up their bags of compost. To get to the compost facility, turn right as you drive in and go all the way to the end; follow the road around to the left and the compost area is on the right.

BUYING COMPOST AT THE RECYCLING CENTER ON ROMNEY STREET:

• Hours of operation for compost sales at the Recycling Center will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• To purchase bags of compost, citizens can pay at the front office and then drive to the pile of compost bags at the shed to load bags into a vehicle. The shed is at the front of the Recycling Center to the right, in between the electronic and cardboard containers.

SIDEBAR

The process of recycling yard waste into compost is as follows:

• At the Bees Ferry Landfill, yard waste is ground up in what is called a tub grinder.
• The yard waste is then placed in windrows (long piles of ground-up yard waste), where it is watered and turned with a windrow turner.
• After six months, the yard waste breaks down to a rich, dark soil, called compost.
• The compost is screened and ready to be used again as a soil amendment in yards, lawns, gardens, flower beds or potted plants.

For questions about purchasing bags of compost, contact the Bees Ferry Landfill at (843) 571-0929 or the Recycling Center at (843) 720-7111 or visit http://recycle.charlestoncounty.org.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3046

Date: September 3, 2009

See more information: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/dispatch/overview.htm

Future Consolidated 9-1-1 Center Aims to be LEED Certified

            County Council votes to build a certified “green” 9-1-1 center by 2012

During a regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1, Charleston County Council voted to authorize staff to pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the Charleston County Consolidated 9-1-1 Center. The center is part of a multi-jurisdictional plan to consolidate all 9-1-1 emergency dispatch operations within Charleston County, and is expected to be complete in 2012.

The LEED rating system was developed by the U. S. Green Building Council and is designed to guide and distinguish high performance “green” buildings. The process provides a nationally recognized system for understanding and applying smart, sustainable design practices with third-party validation.

LEED certification is based on a point system of credits obtained in categories such as:

• Sustainable sites

• Water efficiency

• Energy and atmosphere

• Materials and resources

• Indoor air quality

• Innovation and design process

• Regional priority credits 

“The County is putting forth significant effort into energy conservation, sustainability and good stewardship of the area’s natural resources,” wrote Charleston County’s Facilities Department Director, Dan Chandler, in the information packet that was given to County Council members prior to Tuesday night’s vote. “There is an opportunity to publicly demonstrate our commitment to continue these endeavors by incorporating LEED certification into the design and construction of the new Consolidated 9-1-1 Center.”

The multi-jurisdictional Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch Board also encouraged the County to have the center be a LEED certified building.

“It is our understanding that, in addition to using resources more efficiently, LEED certification will result in a building that will offer a healthier work environment than a building that is built to regular code requirements,” stated Consolidated Dispatch Board Chairman and North Charleston Police Chief, Jon Zumalt, in a letter to Charleston County Council. “Construction of the Consolidated 9-1-1 Center, having employees in stressful emergency job functions twenty-four hours a day, would be an excellent opportunity to focus on healthy work environment goals as well as environmental sustainability goals.”

For more information on the construction of the Charleston County Consolidated 9-1-1 Center, contact the Charleston County’s Facilities Department at (843) 202-6900

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3045

Date: September 2, 2009

See the County’s solid waste and recycling fact sheet online: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/pdfs/SolidWasteManagementStudy-MediaHandout.pdf

Council Takes Action on Recycling and Solid Waste Issues

In a continuing effort to improve how Charleston County Government manages solid waste and recyclable materials, Charleston County Council discussed options and took action at its September 1, 2009 regular council meeting.

Council approved the following motion:

In order to continue advancing development of Charleston County’s Green for Green Solid Waste Management program, and whereas the County has previously adopted a 40% recycling goal and has a long-term objective to provide the premier solid waste program in the southeastern United States, staff requests Council to consider the following actions:

1. Authorize staff to:

   1. Negotiate a contract for short-term solid waste transfer and disposal of municipal solid waste

   2. Negotiate a contract for recyclable materials processing and/or marketing services

   3. Provide a short list of companies interested in providing emerging waste conversion technologies that meet the County’s needs

2. Fully utilize the existing composting facility at the Bees Ferry Landfill so that all yard waste is composted, resulting in a significant increase in the County’s recyclable rate. Investigate the potential to compost commercial food waste and other organic feed stocks.

3. Implement a staff and operational department-wide efficiency and accountability program.

4. Identify and explore public-private partnerships for all appropriate County solid waste operations.

5. Identify the percentage of recyclable materials currently being disposed of that will provide necessary base-line data for planning and designing all collection, processing, marketing, and disposal systems.

6. Manage the transitional process and closure of Montenay incinerator.

7. Prepare ordinance(s) to implement a construction and demolition debris recycling program that may include, but not limited to, licensing or franchise fees, and sets a recycling requirement.

8. Provide Council periodic updates regarding the status of activities and accomplishments.

9. Continue seeking opportunities for regional solutions.
    

The public can find online information related to this topic as follows:

• To see previous related Council actions prior to today’s actions, visit the County’s fact sheet at http://www.charlestoncounty.org/pdfs/SolidWasteManagementStudy-MediaHandout.pdf.

• See the Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department’s page at http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/SolidWaste/recyclinginfo.htm.

• To see the newly created Charleston County Council Green Initiatives Web page, which includes information on the County’s Green Ribbon Committee, visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org/GreenInitiatives.htm.   

For more news and information on Charleston County Government, visit the County’s main Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3044

Release Date: September 1, 2009

See project information online: http://www.ccroadwise.org/folly_maybank.html

Road Work Delayed Due to Weather: Lane Closures on Maybank Highway Now Will Occur Next Weekend to Install Drainage Pipe

Date for weekend lane closures on Maybank Highway at Old Folly Road has been changed from August 28 to September 11 due to weather delays

Due to poor weather, road work that was expected to occur Aug. 28 – 30 has been delayed. The work is now expected to begin Friday, Sept. 11 at 9 p.m. and extend through the weekend until 5:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 14

During that weekend, crews will begin working to install a new 60-inch drainage pipe under Maybank Highway at Old Folly Road as part of the Folly Road and Maybank Highway Intersection Improvement Project.

Because crews will be working in the roadway, there will be temporary lane closures on Maybank Highway. At no time will the entire roadway be blocked in either direction.

Old Folly Road will be closed to traffic coming from James Island heading toward Johns Island. Drivers going to Johns Island via Maybank Highway will need to continue on Folly Road to the intersection at Maybank Highway. A law enforcement officer will be on site at this intersection to direct traffic and allow drivers to turn left from Folly Road onto Maybank Highway and continue toward Johns Island.

The work is a part of larger improvements for the area and every effort is being made to minimize disruptions to the traveling public.

Citizens are asked to take notice of traffic control signs and message board information, and to note that all road work is dependent on the weather.

As other road work on the project arises that could disrupt traffic, notifications will be announced through news releases issued to local media and posted on both the Charleston County Government and Charleston County RoadWise Web sites.

The intersection improvements for Folly Road and Maybank Highway, expected to be completed by the spring of 2010, are funded by the Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax and managed by the Charleston County RoadWise Program.

When completed, the Folly Road and Maybank Highway intersection improvements will include:

• Signaled left turns, with mast-arm stoplights, from Folly Road onto Old Folly Road and from Old Folly Road onto Maybank Highway.

• New, lighted and landscaped medians on Maybank Highway, Folly Road and Old Folly Road. 

• Sidewalks with pedestrian lighting along Maybank Highway, Folly Road and Old Folly Road.

• New storm water drainage facilities with a new 60-inch drainage pipe crossing underneath Maybank Highway and Wappoo Creek Drive as well as new curbs and gutters throughout the project area.

• New pavement markings, including crosswalks and signs.

The public can get up-to-date project information, including construction status and traffic alerts, online at http://www.ccroadwise.org/folly_maybank.html.

Charleston County RoadWise is the name of Charleston County Government’s management program for the construction of roads, highways, resurfacing, paving and drainage projects that are funded by the Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax.

Visit the official Web site at www.ccroadwise.org for public meeting notices and up-to-date news and information about all Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax projects.

Charleston County News Release 

MEDIA CONTACT
Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer
Phone: 843.958.4012
Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3043
Date: August 27, 2009

See photos of phone books on recycling sorting line: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Newsimages/phonebook.htm

 
Residents Encouraged to Recycle Phone Books
Charleston County's Environmental Management Department will recycle phone books 

Charleston County's Environmental Management Department wants residents and business owners to know what to do with old phone books as new phone books are distributed.

INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS

• For curbside pick-up, old phone books should be placed with other paper recyclables (separated from glass, plastic, aluminum, etc.). Residents should be mindful that putting more than about four phone books in their recycling bin could be too heavy for the County's curbside recycling drivers to lift.
• Phone books can also be placed in the paper section of any Charleston County recycling convenience center or drop site location.
• Residents with an abundance of phone books are encouraged to either take them to a recycling drop site location (place the phone books in the paper section) or take them to the recycling center.

INFORMATION FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

• Business representatives can bring any bulk amount of phone books to the recycling center through Monday, Nov. 2.
• Drivers will be directed to unload their phone books into the large boxes at the recycling center.

The recycling center is located at 13 Romney Street in downtown Charleston. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

For a list of drop site locations, visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/SolidWaste/pubs/DropSiteMap.pdf.

Call the Charleston County's Environmental Management Department at (843) 720-7111 for more information on recycling phone books with other paper recyclables.

For more news and information on Charleston County Government, visit the County's Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org.

Charleston County News Release 

MEDIA CONTACT
Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer
Phone: 843.958.4012
Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org
 
Release Number: 3042
Date: August 25, 2009

Project Impact Offers Mini-Grant for Teachers to Educate Students on Lowcountry Hazards
$1,000 in grants available to Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester County elementary and middle schools

The Charleston County area S.C. Project Impact Initiative is offering a mini-grant program to Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester County elementary and middle schools.

Grants will be given to schools that develop programs using art, music, theatre, or hands-on activities to educate students about the types of hazardous events that could impact the Lowcountry, and ways to minimize losses associated with these types of events.

Grant funding is also available for projects that educate students about environmental awareness and protection. The funding may be used for supplies or materials needed for these types of projects.

There is a total of $1,000 available for local schools, and the funding will be distributed to selected applicants in sums of no more than $500 each. The mini-grant program is funded by Project Impact, which is an ongoing initiative originally sponsored by FEMA to assist local communities in becoming more disaster resistant.

Project Impact committees will review the applications that are received and will select the winners. 

GRANT APPLICATION DETAILS:

• The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009
• The award notification will occur on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009
• An application can be downloaded at http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/BuildingServices/ProjectImpact/mini-grant_application.pdf
• For more information about the mini-grant program, contact Joni Rennhack, Project Officer in the Building Inspection Services Department, at (843) 202-6940 or jrennhack@charlestoncounty.org.

For more information on Project Impact, visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/BuildingServices/ProjectImpact.htm.

For more news and information on Charleston County Government, visit the County's Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3041

Release Date: August 24, 2009

See project information online: http://www.ccroadwise.org/folly_maybank.html

Traffic Alert: Lane Closures on Maybank Highway This Weekend Due to Installation of Drainage Pipe

Weekend lane closures on Maybank Highway at Old Folly Road will begin August 28 at 9 p.m.

This weekend, crews will begin working to install a new 60-inch drainage pipe under Maybank Highway at Old Folly Road as part of the Folly Road and Maybank Highway Intersection Improvement Project. The work will start on Friday, Aug. 28 at 9 p.m. and extend through the weekend until 5:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 30.

Because crews will be working in the roadway, there will be temporary lane closures on Maybank Highway. At no time will the entire roadway be blocked in either direction.

Old Folly Road will be closed to traffic coming from James Island heading toward Johns Island. Drivers going to Johns Island via Maybank Highway will need to continue on Folly Road to the intersection at Maybank Highway. A law enforcement officer will be on site at this intersection to direct traffic and allow drivers to turn left from Folly Road onto Maybank Highway and continue toward Johns Island.

The work is a part of larger improvements for the area and every effort is being made to minimize disruptions to the traveling public.

Citizens are asked to take notice of traffic control signs and message board information, and to note that all road work is dependent on the weather.

As other road work on the project arises that could disrupt traffic, notifications will be announced through news releases issued to local media and posted on both the Charleston County Government and Charleston County RoadWise Web sites.

The intersection improvements for Folly Road and Maybank Highway, expected to be completed by the spring of 2010, are funded by the Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax and managed by the Charleston County RoadWise Program.

When completed, the Folly Road and Maybank Highway intersection improvements will include:

• Signaled left turns, with mast-arm stoplights, from Folly Road onto Old Folly Road and from Old Folly Road onto Maybank Highway.

• New, lighted and landscaped medians on Maybank Highway, Folly Road and Old Folly Road.

• Sidewalks with pedestrian lighting along Maybank Highway, Folly Road and Old Folly Road.

• New storm water drainage facilities with a new 60-inch drainage pipe crossing underneath Maybank Highway and Wappoo Creek Drive as well as new curbs and gutters throughout the project area.

• New pavement markings, including crosswalks and signs.

The public can get up-to-date project information, including construction status and traffic alerts, online at http://www.ccroadwise.org/folly_maybank.html.

Charleston County RoadWise is the name of Charleston County Government’s management program for the construction of roads, highways, resurfacing, paving and drainage projects that are funded by the Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax.

Visit the official Web site at www.ccroadwise.org for public meeting notices and up-to-date news and information about all Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax projects.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3040

Date: August 21, 2009

County Offers Free SKYWARN^TM Weather Spotter Classes

In conjunction with National Preparedness Month, Charleston County Government’s Emergency Preparedness Division is offering free classes in September for citizens who want to help warn officials about local weather changes.

SKYWARN^TM is a voluntary program developed by the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS needs real-time reports of hail size, wind damage, flash flooding, heavy rain and tornadoes in order to effectively warn the public. SKYWARN^TM volunteers serve as storm spotters for the NWS and local emergency management programs. Volunteers serve as the eyes and ears for the whole community.

Anyone interested in becoming a SKYWARN^TM weather spotter can attend one of the NWS basic and/or advanced weather spotter training classes, which are hosted by Charleston County Government. Classes are free and last approximately two hours.

The Basic Weather Spotter Class is required to become a certified NWS SKYWARN^TM weather spotter and to take the Advanced Weather Spotter Class. The advanced class provides additional information and training to those interested in learning more than is provided in the basic class.

Basic Weather Spotter Class (required in order to take the advanced class):

Date: Thursday, Sept. 10

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: Charleston County Public Service Building

    Third Floor Room 339 (Emergency Operations Center)

    4045 Bridgeview Drive

    North Charleston, SC 29405

Advanced Weather Spotter Class:

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 29

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: Charleston County Public Service Building

    Third Floor Room 339 (Emergency Operations Center)

    4045 Bridgeview Drive

    North Charleston, SC 29405

To register for the basic and/or advanced classes, contact James Tarter, Training Coordinator for the Charleston County Emergency Management Department, by phone at (843) 202-7405 or by e-mail at jtarter@charlestoncounty.org.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3039

Date: August 18, 2009

See presentation on program: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/FacilitiesMgmt/Energy%20Conservation%20Presentation%20Revised%20III.pdf

Charleston County Saves $350,000 with New Energy Conservation Program

            County strives to reach goal of reducing electricity costs by 10 percent

Charleston County Government implemented an ambitious, internal initiative called the Energy Conservation Program in March of 2009. With the downturn in the economy and projected increases in the cost of energy, the program aims to reduce the County’s electricity consumption 10 percent by the end of fiscal year 2010 (July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010) compared with fiscal year 2008.

The County measured its progress, and according to staff, a savings of $350,000 was realized throughout the remainder of fiscal year 2009, which ended on June 30, due to the new program.

“Our tracking system shows that we’ve made major progress in accomplishing our goal during the first few months of the program,” said Dan Chandler, Director of Charleston County’s Facilities Department. “We’ve not only stopped the upward trend in electricity use, but also used nearly 7 percent less kilowatt hours than the year before.”

County staff reported the savings to Charleston County Council on August 6 in a written briefing known as a “blue sheet” that is used to update council members.

County Council member Joe McKeown responded to the report with an e-mail to County Administrator Allen O’Neal praising staff’s efforts.

“What is impressive about this campaign is that many of these things would have been easy to overlook,” McKeown wrote. “This is a great example of our staff trying to make a difference.”

Because of the program’s success, the County is continuing with its initiatives during fiscal year 2010, which began on July 1, 2009, and staff is continuing to look for new ways to cut costs.

So far, some of the biggest cost savings measures have been:

• Ensuring that office lights and equipment are turned off in the evenings and when rooms are not in use.
   

• Setting temperatures in county buildings at a minimum cooling level of 74 degrees and a maximum heating level of 70 degrees.
   

• Turning off or reducing heating and cooling systems in all non-emergency and non-critical facilities during off hours.
   

• Replacing magnetic florescent ballast lighting with electronic ballast lighting as needed. This results in energy savings of 39 percent per fixture.
   

• Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent bulbs as they burn out; this results in an energy savings of approximately 35 percent per bulb replaced.
   

• Having over 400 Charleston County electrical bills reviewed, which revealed that three rate schedules could be changed to reduce energy costs. The new rates took effect on June 1, 2009.

If you have questions about the plan, contact the Charleston County’s Facilities Department at (843) 202-6900.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3038

Date: August 12, 2009

View the 2009-2010 Charleston County Hazard Mitigation Plan online: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/index2.asp?p=/departments/BuildingServices/HazardPlan/HazPlan.htm#Cover

Charleston County Updates Hazard Mitigation Plan

          Plan available online for public review and comment

The Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Project Committee has updated and finalized the 2009-2010 Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The plan was updated to include hazardous events that occurred between May of 2008 and June of 2009, such as floods, tornadoes and hazardous material situations.

Revisions were also made to the Hazard Assessment and Problem Assessment sections of the plan, and to committee member lists due to personnel changes. Local government entities prepared status reports and action plans for 2009-2010 to be included in the plan.

The Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan is necessary for local government entities within Charleston County to be eligible for several pre and post-hazard event sources of federal funding.

The plan was originally developed and adopted in 1999, and has been updated each year since to keep it current with federal requirements.

Charleston County Government coordinates the committee that updates this plan, which has membership from all local government entities in Charleston County, including municipalities and special purpose districts, as well as numerous other representatives from private, public and non-profit sectors.

The following entities within Charleston County have adopted the Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan:

• Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission

• Charleston County School District

• Charleston Water System

• City of Charleston

• City of Folly Beach

• City of Isle of Palms

• City of North Charleston

• College of Charleston

• Cooper River Parks and Playground Commission

• County of Charleston

• James Island Public Service District

• Mt. Pleasant Water Works Commission

• North Charleston District

• North Charleston Sewer District

• St. Andrew’s Parish Parks and Playground Commission

• St. Andrew’s Public Service District

• St. John’s Fire District Commission

• St. Paul’s Fire District Commission

• Town of Awendaw

• Town of Hollywood

• Town of James Island

• Town of Kiawah Island

• Town of Lincolnville

• Town of McClellanville

• Town of Meggett

• Town of Mount Pleasant

• Town of Ravenel

• Town of Rockville

• Town of Seabrook Island

• Town of Sullivan’s Island

A copy of the 2009 – 2010 Charleston Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, including the status reports, is available on the Charleston County Web site and at the Charleston County Building Inspections Department in the Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Services Building, 4045 Bridge View Drive, Room A-311, North Charleston, SC 29405-7464.

If you have questions about the plan, contact the Charleston County Building Inspection Services Department at (843) 202-6940.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3037

Date: August 11, 2009

Traffic Alert for I-526 West at Sam Rittenburg Exit in West Ashley

Possible delays between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Aug. 16 to Oct. 1

Charleston County Government advises the public of upcoming road construction on a project to improve the I-526 and SC 7 (Sam Rittenburg Boulevard) exit in West Ashley.

In order to minimize the impact to the public, lane closures will take place at night between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Some early preparation work that does not involve lane closures will take place during the day.

Construction is scheduled to begin on Sunday, Aug. 16 and will continue through Thursday, Oct. 1. The completion date is dependent on the weather.

Drivers could experience some intermittent delays from 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. along I-526 West at the SC 7 intersection due to lane closures needed throughout the project.

The project consists of building an additional turn lane at I-526 West onto SC 7 to access US 17 South. After the turn lane is constructed, the intersection will be reconfigured to include:
 

• Dedicated left turn lane

• Combination through and left turn lane

• Dedicated through lane

• Dedicated right turn lane

Also, new asphalt surface will be placed across all four lanes for approximately 800 feet.

The project is funded by the Charleston County Transportation Committee (CTC), and will be administered by the Charleston County Transportation Development Office.

For more information on the project, call the Charleston County Transportation Development Office at (843) 202-6151. For news and up to date information on Charleston County Government, visit www.charlestoncounty.org.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3036

Release Date: July 31, 2009

See project information online: http://www.ccroadwise.org/folly_maybank.html

Temporary Traffic Shift on Old Folly Road for Intersection Improvements

Traffic shift to begin at night on Sunday, Aug. 2

Both lanes of traffic on Old Folly Road, between Maybank Highway and Folly Road, will be shifted over to the west-bound lane beginning the night of Sunday, Aug. 2, in order to allow crews to remove the sidewalk and curb along the east-bound side of Old Folly Road. The construction is part of the Folly Road and Maybank Highway intersection improvement project.

The process of moving the traffic lanes will occur at night. Drivers choosing to use Old Folly Road are encouraged to drive with caution. Once the shift process is completed, traffic will continue to flow in both directions through two narrower lanes with a water-filled barrier placed between the traffic lanes and construction zone.

After crews remove the sidewalk and curb, new utility lines and a storm drain line will be installed. The traffic shift and construction activities on the east-bound side of Old Folly Road are expected to continue through the end of October 2009.

Any other road work on the project that could disrupt traffic will be announced through news releases issued to local media and posted on both the Charleston County Government and Charleston County RoadWise Web sites.

The intersection improvements for Folly Road an Maybank Highway, expected to be completed by the spring of 2010, are funded by the Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax and managed by the Charleston County RoadWise Program.

When completed, the Folly Road and Maybank Highway intersection improvements will include:

• Signaled left turns, with mast-arm stoplights, from Folly Road onto Old Folly Road and from Old Folly Road onto Maybank Highway.

• New, lighted and landscaped medians on Maybank Highway, Folly Road and Old Folly Road. 

• Sidewalks with pedestrian lighting along Maybank Highway, Folly Road and Old Folly Road.

• New storm water drainage facilities with a new 60-inch drainage pipe crossing underneath Maybank Highway and Wappoo Creek Drive as well as new curbs and gutters throughout the project area.

• New pavement markings, including crosswalks and signs.

The public can get up-to-date project information, including construction status and traffic alerts, online at http://www.ccroadwise.org/folly_maybank.html.

Charleston County RoadWise is the name of Charleston County Government’s management program for the construction of roads, highways, resurfacing, paving and drainage projects that are funded by the Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax.

Visit the official Web site at www.ccroadwise.org for public meeting notices and up-to-date news and information about all Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax projects.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3035

Date: July 30, 2009

SEE MORE ON THE CHARLESTON COUNTY GREENBELT PROGRAM: http://www.smallchangeforbigchange.org/greenbelt.html

SEE APPLICATION APPROVAL FLOWCHART:

http://www.smallchangeforbigchange.org/pdfs/ApplicationProcessFlowchartJun2007.pdf

County Council Approves Greenbelt Applications

Funds from the Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax support greenbelt projects

Charleston County Council recently approved $529,000 for six greenbelt projects that were submitted for funding under the County’s Greenbelt Urban Grant Program and $9,299,392 for six greenbelt projects that were submitted for funding under the County’s Rural Grant Program.

The projects will be funded by the greenbelt portion of the Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax revenues.

The six urban projects were approved by the Urban Grant Review Committee and the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission before they were brought to Charleston County Council for final approval.

The six rural projects were reviewed by the Greenbelt Bank Board before they were brought to Charleston County Council for final approval. Applications for this round of considerations were due March 31, 2009.

Now that Charleston County Council has approved funding, grant agreements will be executed between the County and the greenbelt grant recipients. Once all necessary documents (appraisals, plats, environmental assessments, title insurance, etc.) are submitted and approved, closings will be conducted and greenbelt funds will be disbursed.

Greenbelt funds are awarded to eligible entities so they may acquire land and/or purchase development rights through a conservation easement. The County does not purchase the land. Funds may also be used to support the following minor improvements that provide public access and use of conservation lands purchased with Greenbelt funds:

-     Boardwalks

-     Unpaved roadways

-     Foot bridges

-     Unpaved small parking areas

-     Unpaved trails

The urban municipal projects that were awarded funding are as follows:

Town of James Island: $163,000 for .30 acre

-     $163,000 awarded for the town to purchase a .30-acre parcel located in the Clearview subdivision.

-      The property will be used as a passive public park.

City of North Charleston: $366,000 for 27.915 acres

-      Five properties to be purchased by the city of North Charleston.

-      One property is located in Park Circle and the other in the Chicora/Cherokee neighborhood; both will be used as community parks. 

-      The other three properties are located in the Filbin Creek and Noisette Creek areas and will be linked with other parcels for a passive park.

The rural projects that were awarded funding are as follows:

Ten Mile Community Association: $220,142

-      $220,142 for the fee-simple purchase of 1.08 acres located in the Ten Mile Community. 

-      The Community Association will use the parcel to extend its current park, which provides a place for outdoor activities.

Edisto Island Open Land Trust: $224,000

-      $224,000 to place a conservation easement on 62.48 acres located on Edisto Island.

-      Property is the center point of Sunnyside Plantation and has 2,000 feet of water and marsh frontage along Store Creek.

Lowcountry Open Land Trust: $2,505,250

-      Two projects to place conservation easements on properties located on Slann Island and Johns Island. 

-      The projects will preserve lands used for farming, protect Lowcountry natural resources and preserve scenic landscapes and views.

Nature Conservancy: $1,180,000

-      $1,180,000 for the fee-simple purchase of 374 acres

-      The property is near Awendaw and adjacent to the Francis Marion National Forest.

Town of Awendaw: $5,170,000

-      $5,170,000 for the fee-simple purchase of 292 acres in Awendaw. 

-      The project will provide outdoor access and recreation.

SIDEBAR – Background Information on the Charleston County Greenbelt Program

• The Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax referendum was approved by voters in November of 2004. Collection of the Transportation Sales Tax began in May 2005 and will continue for 25 years or until $1.303 billion is generated for transportation and greenspace related projects and improvements.

• Funds from the Transportation Sales Tax are distributed as follows:

-      $1,081,788,800 for highways, bridges, roads, streets and mass transit systems (such as CARTA - Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority, and RTMA - Rural Transportation Management Authority)

-      $221,571,200 for the Charleston County Greenbelt Program through an Urban and Rural Grants Program. The purpose of the grants program is to implement the County’s Greenbelt Plan for the conservation of greenspace in Charleston County.

For more information on the Charleston County Greenbelt Program, contact Cathy Ruff by phone at (843) 202-7204 or by e-mail at cruff@charlestoncounty.org.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3034

Date: July 24, 2009

Charleston County Council Announces Vacancies on Boards and Commissions

Charleston County Council announces the following vacancies on boards and commissions:

• Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals

  • One vacancy for a registered architect
     

• Saint Paul’s Fire District Commission

  • One vacancy for the Edisto Island seat
     

• Procurement Appeals Board

  • Two vacancies
     

• Board of Assessment Appeals

  • One vacancy
     

• Charleston Center Advisory Board

  • One vacancy
     

• Forestry Board

  • One Vacancy
     

• Firemen’s Insurance and Inspection Fund (1% Commission)

  • Two vacancies from St. Paul’s Fire District

  • Two vacancies from St. Andrews Public Service District
     

• Disabilities and Special Needs Board

  • Three vacancies
     

• Saint Andrews Parks and Playground Commission

  • Two vacancies
     

• Charleston Public Facilities Corporation

  • One vacancy
     

• Trident Workforce Investment Board

  • Three vacancies for private sector seats

  • One vacancy for a labor representative

Charleston County Council encourages citizens of Charleston County who are willing to volunteer to serve on one of the important boards to submit an application for appointment.

The application deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009. To find Charleston County Council’s application for appointment, visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/Council/AppointApp.htm.  

Applications will be considered by County Council’s Administration Policy and Rules Committee at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009. The committee comprises five members of Charleston County Council. The committee will make recommendations to fill these vacancies to full Council and County Council will vote on the recommendations at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009.

For questions or more specific information regarding each board, call Kristen Salisbury, Deputy Clerk of Council, at (843) 958-4031 or visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/Council/AppointCommissions.htm.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3033

Date: July 17, 2009

See proposed zoning text changes: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/Planning/PlanningCommission/6-24-SpecialMeetingPacket.pdf

Ordinance Passes First Reading for Proposed Zoning Text Changes that Affect Solid Waste Disposal Facilities and Other Uses  

At a special Charleston County Council meeting on Thursday, July 16, Council approved the first of three readings to proposed text changes to the Charleston County Zoning and Land Development Regulations Ordinance.

Council also held a public hearing on Thursday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m. on the proposed changes, and earlier this week, on Monday, July 13, the Charleston County Planning Commission recommended that the text changes be approved.

If adopted by County Council, the ordinance will implement the recently updated Charleston County Comprehensive Plan to clarify that the existing solid waste disposal facilities, and other unrelated commercial and industrial uses previously permitted before April 21, 1999, do not require a Special Exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals if a change or expansion occurs within the existing boundary of the facilities’ property and they meet all other zoning requirements.

Upcoming meetings on this issue are listed below, and are open to the public:

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21: Charleston County Council meeting and second reading of the ordinance.

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11: Charleston County Council meeting and third reading of the ordinance.

To find out more about the definitions and duties of the groups mentioned above, visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/Planning/pdf/CHAPTER2_ALL.pdf.

For more news and information on Charleston County Government, visit the County’s Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org 

Release Number: 3032

Release Date: July 15, 2009

See project information online: http://www.ccroadwise.org/folly_maybank.html

Maybank Lane Closures Planned for Underground Utility Line Relocation

Weekend lane closures along Maybank Highway near Folly Road to occur July 24-27 and July 31-Aug. 3.

Road crews will be relocating underground utility lines for the Folly Road and Maybank Highway Intersection Improvement Project beginning July 24. The work will begin after 9 p.m. on Friday, July 24, and will continue through 5:30 a.m. Monday, July 27, and will occur again the following weekend beginning after 9 p.m. on Friday, July 31, and will continue through 5:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3.

Because the work includes the movement of an SCE&G gas line under the highway near the intersection of Maybank Highway and Old Folly Road, road lanes will have to be temporarily closed to traffic. At no point will the entire roadway be blocked to traffic.

The public is asked to take notice of traffic control signs and message board information. All road work is dependent on the weather.

Every effort is being made to schedule necessary lane closures for the project during off- peak, nighttime and weekend hours when possible. Any other road work on the project that could disrupt traffic will be announced through news releases issued to local media and posted on both the Charleston County Government and Charleston County RoadWise Web sites.

“We have been able to complete many of our recent activities with minimal traffic impacts and the shifting of lanes between Wappoo Cut and Crosscreek Drive, but upcoming work to move underground utilities and add a new drainage line under Maybank Highway cannot be completed without temporarily closing traffic lanes,” said Steve Thigpen, Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax Program Construction Contracts Manager.  

For the past few months, Charleston County RoadWise improvements to the intersection of Folly Road and Maybank Highway have focused on preliminary drainage work. This work has included the placement of new drainage lines under Folly Road at the Wappoo Cut bridge, along with the replacement of old curbs and gutters on the east side of Folly Road between Country Club Drive and Tatum Street. 

The intersection improvements for Folly Road an Maybank Highway, expected to be completed by the spring of 2010, are funded by the Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax and managed by the Charleston County RoadWise Program.

When completed, the Folly Road and Maybank Highway intersection improvements will include:

• Signaled left turns, with mast-arm stoplights, from Folly Road onto Old Folly Road and from Old Folly Road onto Maybank Highway.

• New, lighted and landscaped medians on Maybank Highway, Folly Road and Old Folly Road. 

• Sidewalks with pedestrian lighting along Maybank Highway, Folly Road and Old Folly Road.

• New storm water drainage facilities with a new 60-inch drainage pipe crossing underneath Maybank Highway and Wappoo Creek Drive as well as new curbs and gutters throughout the project area.

• New pavement markings, including crosswalks and signs.

The public can get up-to-date project information, including construction status and traffic alerts, online at http://www.ccroadwise.org/folly_maybank.html.

Charleston County RoadWise is the name of Charleston County Government’s management program for the construction of roads, highways, resurfacing, paving and drainage projects that are funded by the Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax.

Visit the official Web site at www.ccroadwise.org for public meeting notices and up-to-date news and information about all Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax projects.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3031

Date: July 7, 2009

Charleston County Offices Move to Consolidate Services

 
Charleston County Government announces the following office changes that will take effect on Tuesday, July 7:

• The Delinquent Tax Office will move into the  Revenue Collections Department’s office at the Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Services Building (4045 Bridge View Drive, 29405).
   

• Previous delinquent tax cashiering functions will be transferred to the Charleston County Treasurer’s Office.
   

• Mobile home decals and mobile home permits will be issued by the Revenue Collections Department. However, the Charleston County Assessor’s Office will continue to provide code enforcement for mobile homes.

By grouping these similar functions, Charleston County was able to eliminate seven temporary positions, one full time position, and two delinquent tax office cashiers were transferred to the Treasurer’s Office to assist in the additional collection efforts.

The Charleston County Department of Revenue Collections is also responsible for County business license fees, accommodation fees, HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials) fees, solid waste user fees, franchise fees, stormwater fees and bankruptcy filings. The department administers over 28 municipal contracts for municipal business license services, accommodation services, hospitality services, special tax district services and radio billing services.

Anyone with questions can contact the Charleston County Revenue Collections Office at (843) 202-6080.

For more news and information on Charleston County Government, visit the Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3030

Date: July 2, 2009

County Assessor’s Mobile Homes Division and Board of Assessment Appeals Offices Move

 
Charleston County Government announces that the following offices have moved:

• Mobile Homes Division of the Assessor’s Office

• Board of Assessment Appeals office

Both offices have relocated from the Public Services Building in North Charleston to the County Office Building downtown, where the remainder of the Assessor’s Office staff is already located (101 Meeting Street, Suite 300).

Charleston County’s Revenue Collections Department has taken over the function of issuing mobile home moving permits and decals at its service counter in the Public Services Building. The Assessor’s Office will continue to provide code enforcement for mobile homes.

The Board of Assessment Appeals will continue to hold its meetings at the Public Services Building (4045 Bridge View Drive, 29405), but the staff member assigned to the board will relocate to the County Office Building downtown.

Anyone who has outstanding assessment appeals will be notified of the recent changes. Citizens can bring documents to the downtown office in person, just as they could bring documents to the Public Services Building. There will be a clearly marked bin at the mapping counter in the Assessor’s Office for taxpayers’ use for Board of Assessment Appeals documents.

The Board of Assessment Appeals also has a post office box: PO Box 1868, Charleston County, SC 29402. However, the Board’s phone number, (843) 958-4190, and fax number, (843) 958-4191), remain the same.

Anyone with questions can contact the Charleston County Assessor’s Office at (843) 958-4100.

For more news and information on Charleston County Government, visit the Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3029

Date: July 1, 2009

Convenience Centers and Landfill Hours Change During July 4 Holiday Weekend

Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department announces the following changes in its hours of operation for the upcoming holiday weekend:

Bees Ferry Landfill

• The Bees Ferry Landfill will be closed on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, and is always closed on Sundays.

• Hours at the landfill normally are: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Convenience Centers

• Convenience centers will be open on Friday, July 3, as usual, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

• Convenience centers will be closed on Saturday, July 4.

• Hours at the convenience centers normally are:

Convenience Centers (staffed centers)
Hours: Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m., except Sun. and Wed., open 1 p.m.-7 p.m. 

Bees Ferry Road Convenience Center
Hours: Open Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-7 p.m., except Sun. and Wed., open 1 p.m.-7 p.m.

Charleston County has seven convenience centers:

Maxville Road Convenience Center

6380 Maxville Road, Awendaw 29429

(843) 928-3860

River Road Convenience Center

1775 River Road, McClellanville, 29458

(843) 887-3978

Bees Ferry Road Convenience Center (see above)

1344 Bees Ferry Road, 29414

(843) 763-8564

Adams Run Convenience Center

8326 Old Jacksonboro Road, 29426

(843) 889-9795

Hollywood Convenience Center

5305 Highway 165, Hollywood, 29449

(843) 889-3134

Edisto Convenience Center

2844 Highway 174, Edisto Island, 29438

(843) 869-2917

Wadmalaw Convenience Center

1558 Liberia Road, Wadmalaw Island, 29487

(843) 559-0841

For more information regarding recycling, call Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department at (843) 720-7111.

Charleston County RoadWise News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3028

Release Date: July 1, 2009

See project feasibility study online: http://www.ccroadwise.org/file/doc/ashleyriverbridgeretrofitstudy.pdf

Public Meeting on Ashley River Bridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Project, July 9

            Public meeting from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at St. Andrews Elementary School to discuss plans for a bicycle and pedestrian path from Albemarle Road to the Ashley River Bridge

Charleston County Government is holding a public meeting from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, to gather input on a proposed Transportation Sales Tax funded project located within the city of Charleston for a new bicycle and pedestrian path from Albemarle Road to the Ashley River Bridge.

The meeting will be held in the cafeteria of St. Andrews Elementary School (30 Chadwick Drive; Charleston, SC 29407).

Anyone who attends the meeting will receive information on the path forward for the project and will have an opportunity to make comments, ask questions, review conceptual designs and vote on alternative alignments for the proposed bicycle and pedestrian path.

Public comments on this project will be received through July 23, 2009, through the official Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax Web site at www.ccroadwise.com.

Description of the three proposed alternatives:          

• Alternative A: Contains approximately 2,700 linear feet of elevated boardwalk to cross the existing wetlands. This alternative most closely follows the existing roadway network. This alternative has the most impact to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (DHEC-OCRM) Critical Area.

• Alternative B: Contains approximately 2,300 linear feet of elevated boardwalk. This alternative closely resembles Alternative A but provides a more direct route to the Ashley River Bridge.

• Alternative C: Contains approximately 1,300 linear feet of elevated boardwalk. This alternative takes the most direct route across existing wetlands, has the least impact to the state jurisdictional Critical Area, but has a greater right-of way impact.

According to DHEC-OCRM, the Critical Area includes all coastal waters, tidelands, the beach/dune system and beaches. In this case, the critical area would be delineated based on vegetation (i.e. marsh grasses), soil type and slope/elevation. The state has jurisdiction over all tidelands/critical areas, and proposed impacts must be permitted through DHEC-OCRM.

The initial Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax referendum was approved by voters in November of 2004. Collection of the Transportation Sales Tax began in May of 2005 and will continue for 25 years or until $1.303 billion is generated for transportation and greenspace related projects and improvements.

Charleston County RoadWise is the name of the Charleston County Government’s management program for the construction of roads, highways, resurfacing, paving and drainage projects that are funded by the Transportation Sales Tax.

Visit www.ccroadwise.com for more information on this and other projects, public meeting notices and up-to-date news and information.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone:  843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number:  3027

Date:  June 26, 2009 

Student Interns Work on Road Projects Funded by the Transportation Sales Tax
     Five interns now employed by Charleston County RoadWise Program.

Five students have begun working under the Charleston County RoadWise Internship Program to gain experience working on road projects funded by the Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax. 

The internship program is designed to provide summer job opportunities for college juniors and seniors so they can explore their majors in a variety of occupations used during road projects. Students who meet the eligibility criteria have demonstrated an interest in pursuing careers in construction, engineering and transportation-related jobs. 

"Internships are embraced by local government as a way to support projects and provide exposure to occupational areas, which may or may not lead to long-term employment, but will expand career awareness and opportunities," said Charleston County Office of Organizational Development Director, Evelyn DeLaine-Hart, who oversees the RoadWise Internship Program.  

The students will be working throughout the remainder of the summer with different engineering firms that are contracted to work on Transportation Sales Tax road projects.

The 2009 RoadWise student internship assignments are as follows:

• Brian Coleman, a student at South Carolina State University majoring in electrical engineering, is working with Atlantic South Consulting Services.
• Andrew Hewitt, a student at Clemson University majoring in construction science management, is working with Banks Construction.
• Thomas Mastillone, a student at The Citadel majoring in civil engineering, is working with STV/Ralph Whitehead Associates.
• B. L. Mims, a student at The Citadel majoring in civil and environmental engineering, is working with The LPA Group.
• John Lucas Semsar, a student at Clemson University majoring in construction science management, is working with TranSystems Corporation.

"The firms offering the internship positions had to designate a point of contact that will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all Charleston County Government procedures," DeLaine-Hart said. "The point of contact will interact with County staff for the purpose of program implementation, coordination and reporting." 

All of the students went through an orientation last month to address what they would be doing and to ensure they understood the expectations of the program. 

The job opportunities were determined by firms working on RoadWise projects and are for a pre-determined period of time. The pay rate is based on the skills and technical capabilities required by the job. 

According to DeLaine-Hart, there was a competitive selection process to choose the students. Selection was made jointly by Charleston County and the hiring firm. 

Visit the official Web site at www.ccroadwise.org for public meeting notices and up-to-date news and information about all Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax projects. 

Recruitment and eligibility requirements:

• Recruitment and selection of interns are the responsibility of the contractor.
• The Office of Organizational Development also conducts annual recruitment to aid in this process.
• Students must be a college junior or senior, have a GPA of 3.0 or better and majoring in or pursing a career in a transportation occupation. Exceptions to the GPA requirement are made on a case-by-case basis by the design or engineering firm. 

Charleston County RoadWise is the name of the Charleston County Government's management program for the construction of roads, highways, resurfacing, paving and drainage projects that are funded by the Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax. 

Visit the official Charleston County Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax Web site www.ccroadwise.com for more information on these projects, public meeting notices and up-to-date news and information.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone:  843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number:  3026

Date:  June 25, 2009

See proposed zoning text changes: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/Planning/PlanningCommission/6-24-SpecialMeetingPacket.pdf 

Schedule Revised for Proposed Zoning Text Changes that Affect Solid Waste Disposal Facilities and Other Uses

Commission voted to approve the amendments, but also to reconsider the issue on Monday, July 13, 2009 

At its 3 p.m. meeting on Wednesday, June 24, the Charleston County Planning Commission addressed proposed text changes to the Charleston County Zoning and Land Development Regulations Ordinance. The Commission voted five to two to approve the changes, but also voted six to one to reconsider the issue at its next regular meeting at 4 p.m. on Monday, July 13, in order to have more time to review the information. 

Charleston County Council will still hold a public hearing on Thursday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Lonnie Hamilton, III, Public Services Building (4045 Bridge View Drive; N. Charleston, 29405) about the proposed text changes to the Charleston County Zoning and Land Development Regulations Ordinance. 

If eventually adopted by County Council, the ordinance would implement the recently updated Charleston County Comprehensive Plan to clarify that the existing solid waste disposal facilities, and other unrelated commercial and industrial uses previously established before April 21, 1999, do not require a Special Exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals if a change or expansion occurs within the existing boundary of the facilities' property and they meet all other zoning requirements.

Charleston County Council's Planning and Public Works Committee will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 16 following the public hearing. Immediately following the committee meeting on the 16^th, Charleston County Council will hold a special council meeting in order to conduct the first reading of the ordinance for the proposed zoning changes.

The upcoming meetings are listed below, and are open to the public:

• 4 p.m. on Monday, July 13: Charleston County Planning Commission meeting at Council Chambers at the Lonnie Hamilton, III, Public Services Building (4045 Bridge View Drive; N. Charleston, 29405).

• 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 16: Public hearing in Council Chambers at the Lonnie Hamilton, III, Public Services Building (4045 Bridge View Drive; N. Charleston, 29405).

• 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 16: Charleston County Council's Planning and Public Works Committee will meet after the public hearing.

• Immediately following the committee meeting on Thursday, July 16: Charleston County Council will hold a special council meeting in order to conduct the first reading of the ordinance for the proposed zoning changes.

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21: Charleston County Council meeting and second reading of the ordinance.

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11: Charleston County Council meeting and third reading of the ordinance. 

To find out more about the definitions and duties of the groups mentioned above, visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/Planning/pdf/CHAPTER2_ALL.pdf.

For more news and information on Charleston County Government, visit the County's Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone:  843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number:  3025

Date:  June 24, 2009

See proposed zoning text changes: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/Planning/PlanningCommission/6-24-SpecialMeetingPacket.pdf

Public Hearing Scheduled on July 16 for Zoning Text Changes that Affect Solid Waste Disposal Facilities and Other Uses

Charleston County Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Lonnie Hamilton, III, Public Services Building (4045 Bridge View Drive; N. Charleston, 29405) about proposed text changes to the Charleston County Zoning and Land Development Regulations Ordinance. 

At 3 p.m. today, the Charleston County Planning Commission will address the proposed text changes to the Charleston County Zoning and Land Development Regulations Ordinance.

If eventually adopted by County Council, the ordinance would implement the recently updated Charleston County Comprehensive Plan to clarify that the existing solid waste disposal facilities, and other unrelated commercial and industrial uses previously established before April 21, 1999, do not require a Special Exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals if a change or expansion occurs within the existing boundary of the facilities' property and they meet all other zoning requirements.

Charleston County Council's Planning and Public Works Committee will meet at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 16 following the public hearing. Immediately following the committee meeting on the 16^th, Charleston County Council will hold a special council meeting in order to conduct the first reading of the ordinance for the proposed zoning changes.  

The upcoming meetings are listed below, and are open to the public:

3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24: Charleston County Planning Commission meeting at Council Chambers at the Lonnie Hamilton, III, Public Services Building (4045 Bridge View Drive; N. Charleston, 29405). The Commission will hear proposed text changes to the Charleston County Zoning and Land Development Regulations Ordinance, which, if eventually adopted by County Council, would implement the recently adopted Charleston County Comprehensive Plan to clarify that the existing solid waste disposal facilities do not require a special exception if the expansion occurs within the existing boundary of a solid waste disposal facilities' property.

• 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 16: Public hearing in Council Chambers at the Lonnie Hamilton, III, Public Services Building (4045 Bridge View Drive; N. Charleston, 29405).

• 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 16: Charleston County Council's Planning and Public Works Committee will meet after the public hearing.

• Immediately following the committee meeting on Thursday, July 16: Charleston County Council will hold a special council meeting in order to conduct the first reading of the ordinance for the proposed zoning changes.

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21: Charleston County Council meeting and second reading of the ordinance.

• 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11: Charleston County Council meeting and third reading of the ordinance. 

To find out more about the definitions and duties of the groups mentioned above, visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/Planning/pdf/CHAPTER2_ALL.pdf.

For more news and information on Charleston County Government, visit the County's Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone:  843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number:  3024

Date:  June 19, 2009

Note to media: Ride-alongs will be available with Mosquito Control staff on Friday, June 26, between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. Call (843) 958-4012 or (843) 202-7880 in advance to set up your ride-along time. A Citizen's Awareness Campaign will take place on Thursday, June 25, in the Northwoods Estates subdivision in North Charleston. Media is invited to join staff on this campaign as well. 

            Mosquito Control employees educate the public on ways to eliminate mosquitoes 

Did you know that only the female mosquito bites? Did you know that South Carolina has native fish that eat mosquito larvae? Charleston County Government's Mosquito Control Division employees are teaching the public about these and many others facts, including how people can help get rid of the pests on their own. 

The week of June 21-27 has been declared the Thirteenth Annual National Mosquito Control Awareness Week by the American Mosquito Control Association.

Mosquito Awareness Week is a time to educate citizens about the significance of mosquitoes in their daily lives and the important service provided by mosquito control workers.  

In an effort to reach out and educate people, Charleston County inspectors will hand out information packets to citizens at residences requesting mosquito control services. 

"Mosquito Awareness Week provides an excellent opportunity to talk with people in person and answer their questions and concerns," said Ed Harne, a taxonomist with Charleston County Mosquito Control. "We will give people information on the mosquito life cycle and tips on how to eliminate mosquito egg-laying sites around their homes in order to help reduce the number of mosquitoes in their neighborhoods." 

Each year, Charleston County Mosquito Control treats over 50,000 acres by aircraft and 500,000 acres through ground spraying.  

"The first thing we need to know is where mosquitoes breed and how they live their life cycles," said Donna Odom, Charleston County Mosquito Control Superintendent. "The young mosquitoes, or larvae, cannot live and become adult mosquitoes without water. So the key is to get rid of the containers that hold water around our homes, yards and schools."  

The public can help by flushing water out of birdbaths and pet dishes with a garden hose. Keep anything that has potential to hold water, such as toys, buckets, cans and bottles, turned over and emptied. 

Mosquitoes also grow and live in standing water in other types of areas, including ditches and low spots in yards, fields and woods. Because this standing water can't always be eliminated, Charleston County Mosquito Control routinely checks these types of areas for mosquito breeding.  

"If there are mosquito larvae present, Mosquito Control employees will put a material into the water that kills only the larvae and does no harm to any other organism," Odom said. 

In addition, small fish that eat mosquito larvae can be put into the water. These fish are native to South Carolina. If a particular area is large enough, Charleston County Mosquito Control will also use a helicopter, an airplane and sometimes a boat.  

"All of these treatments will reduce the number of young aquatic stage mosquitoes, but there will still be some adult mosquitoes flying around," Odom said. For the adult mosquitoes, Charleston County Mosquito Control uses spray machines on trucks to spray at night. If the mosquito population is high enough and in a large area, an airplane will sometimes be used to spray for these adult mosquitoes.  

Working together, Charleston County Mosquito Control and the citizens of Charleston County can reduce the mosquito population so that residents can continue to enjoy outside activities and minimize the occurrence of mosquito-carried disease.    

TO REQUEST SERVICE OR INFORMATION

• To request service or to get information on Charleston County Mosquito Control activities, call (843) 202-7880.
• For information on educational programs and presentations available from Charleston County Mosquito Control, call (843) 202-7886.
• Visit the American Mosquito Control Association's Web site at www.mosquito.org for information on various mosquito-related subjects such as home mosquito control methods, repellents and mosquito biology. 

SIDEBAR 

MOSQUITO FACTS:

• A mosquito's life revolves around water; a female mosquito lays her eggs in water or in areas expected to flood.
• Once they hatch, a larvae mosquito must remain in water until it emerges as an adult approximately one to two weeks later.
• Mosquitoes can become infected with the West Nile Virus when they feed on infected birds.
• Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease from an infected dog or cat to a healthy dog or cat. 

WAYS THE PUBLIC CAN HELP REDUCE MOSQUITOES:

• Every three days, flush birdbaths, potted plant saucers and other containers that hold water
• Keep yard clean and cut
• Remove items from yard that hold water and are not needed outside
• Keep lawn and gardening equipment indoors
• Fix leaky faucets
• Keep gutters clean
• Fill in tree holes with sand or concrete
• Change pet water dishes regularly
• Chlorinate pools and clean the pool and filters
• Add fish to ponds

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone:  843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number:  3023

Date:  June 17, 2009 

See Photo: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/newsimages/localfirst.htm

See Charleston County Council's Lowcountry Local First 10% Shift Resolution: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/pdfs/1097_001.pdf

On Tuesday, June 16, Charleston County Council passed a resolution supporting Lowcountry Local First's 10% Shift Campaign, which is a grassroots movement that encourages individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies to spend at least 10 percent of their purchases with local, independent businesses. 

In 2007, Charleston County Council approved a local preference option. The ordinance allows the lowest local bidder for goods or services that is within five percent, or $10,000 of the lowest non-local bidder, to match the bid amount submitted by the non-local bidder and get the contract. 

"This is a local, grass-roots stimulus plan," Charleston County Chairman Teddie E. Pryor said. "If we all spend at least 10 percent of our purchases with local, independent businesses, we could help create jobs and increase economic activity in our area." 

Based on a recent study of the Grand Rapids, Mich. area (similar in size to the Tri-county area) by Civic Economics, Lowcountry Local First estimates that a commitment to shift 10 percent of purchases to local, independent businesses in the Tri-county area could:

 Create 1,600 jobs, reducing unemployment by .5%

• Generate $50 million in new wages
• Create $140 million in new economic activity for the region

 Charleston County Council plans to participate in Lowcountry Local First's press conference, which is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, at Marion Square in downtown Charleston.

 SIDEBAR: Lowcountry Local First 

• Lowcountry Local First is an alliance that educates the public on the importance of supporting our local economy, and encourages business and consumers to be environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.
• It is one of over 50 chapters of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, www.livingeconomies.org.
• Lowcountry Local First has initiated two local programs: Buy Local, Be Local, which encourages to support local business; and Farm Fresh Food, which focuses on strengthening relationships between local farmers, producers and the community.
• Through improved awareness about personal and community benefits of choosing local, the organization seeks to shift 10% of the local market share to independent, locally-owned business by 2012.
• Lowcounty Local First's 10% Shift Web site is www.10percentshift.org/sc.
• The 10% Shift Committee consists of council members from Charleston North Charleston and Mt. Pleasant, local business owners, independent meda, a public relations professional, and a local bank representative.
• Lowcountry Local First publishes a Directory of Local Independent Businesses each year to ease the process of find local businesses to support.
• To learn more, visit the Lowcountry Local First Web site at http://www.lowcountrylocalfirst.org.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3022

Date: June 15, 2009

EMS Using Therapeutic Hypothermia to Save Heart Attack Patients

          Reducing body temperature while in ambulance can increase chances of survival

Charleston County’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department is using a new procedure, called therapeutic hypothermia, to increase cardiac arrest (heart attack) patients’ chances of survival after they’ve been revived, and it’s already seen success.

The new procedure involves injecting a patient, who was under cardiac arrest and then revived, with intravenous (IV) fluids that have been cooled down with ice, but not frozen, in order to lower their internal body temperature and reduce the amount of damage caused by the heart attack.

Once arriving at a local hospital emergency room, the patient is then placed into a hypothermic bed which cools them down even further.

“After a patient with cardiac arrest is revived and has a pulse, they are not yet in the clear,” said Don Lundy, Charleston County’s EMS Director. “This new treatment allows us to reduce the impact of a heart attack on a patient’s body and increase their chance of survival once they get to the hospital.”

Brain injury, heart dysfunction, systemic inflammation and the underlying disease that caused the cardiac arrest all contribute to the high death rate of patients who initially have their pulse re-started. Collectively, these symptoms are known as post-cardiac arrest syndrome.

According to the National Registry of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), among the 19,819 adults and 524 children whose hearts were re-started in 2006, in-hospital mortality rates were 67 percent and 55 percent, respectively.

One local patient, however, beat those odds when Charleston County EMS crews used the procedure for the first time while on the way to the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital.

The 74-year-old male had suffered cardiac arrest while participating in the Cooper River Bridge Run in April 2009. Thanks to event planners’ careful staging of medical crews, responders were able to reach the patient quickly.

After paramedics revived him and he had a steady pulse, they used the hypothermia treatment on board the ambulance to cool down his internal body temperature. Once at the hospital, the patient was placed into a coma, and the hypothermic treatment was continued.

“The patient has since fully recovered with no neurological or heart tissue damage,” said Dr. Edward C. Jauch, ­­­­­­­­­­­­­Medical University of South Carolina Associate Professor of Medicine for the Division of Emergency Medicine and the Department of Neurosciences. “Great coordination and teamwork were key to the patient’s success. Because the patient’s symptoms were recognized early, very good CPR was given by a bystander, and he was given early defibrillation and early cooling, he had optimal chances for a good outcome.” 

After studying post-cardiac arrest syndrome, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation, of which Dr. Jauch is a member, stated that successful treatments of an unconscious adult patient resuscitated after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest include mild therapeutic hypothermia, which is cooling the internal body temperature to between 89.6°F and 93.2°F for at least 12 to 24 hours. Therapeutic hypothermia can improve survival and decrease the risk of brain damage.

The therapeutic hypothermia treatment was first used by EMS paramedics in Wake County, N.C., in 2007, and approved by the American Heart Association later that year.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Medical Control Committee approved the use of the procedure by EMS departments in 2008. After developing protocols with its medical director, Charleston County EMS implemented the procedure in March 2008.

Implementing the procedure did not incur any cost to the county because the equipment used for the procedure was already available on the county’s ambulances. IVs are commonly used for patients, and portable ice boxes have been on ambulances for some time. Ice used to cool down the IV fluids is provided by area fire departments.

SIDEBAR

International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation’s statement on post-cardiac arrest syndrome published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association and Resuscitation: Official Journal of the European Resuscitation Council.

• View the entire statement here.
   

• The new statement says there is growing evidence that post-cardiac arrest care can lower the death rate and improve functional outcome for patients.
   

• Research shows that many aspects of post-cardiac arrest syndrome can be treated. The statement discussed treatments for various types of patients, including:
   

• Unconscious adult patients resuscitated after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were recommended to receive mild therapeutic hypothermia, which is cooling between 32°C to 34°C (89.6°F to 93.2°F) for at least 12 to 24 hours. Therapeutic hypothermia can improve survival and decrease the risk of brain damage.
   

• The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) was formed in 1992 to provide an opportunity for major organizations involved in resuscitation to work together on CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and ECC (Emergency Cardiovascular Care) protocols.
  
  ILCOR is composed of the American Heart Association; the European Resuscitation Council; the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada; the Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation; the Resuscitation Councils of Southern Africa; the Resuscitation Councils of Asia; and the Inter American Heart Foundation.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3021

Date: June 12, 2009

Charleston County Posts Monthly Transactions Online

In an effort to be even more transparent in its expenditures, Charleston County Government announces that its monthly accounts payable transactions are now available for the public to view online.

The report includes payments over $100, and it will be updated monthly.

It includes the vendor name; invoice date; description of the transaction; the department/office responsible for the transaction; the budgetary account used to pay for the transaction; the check amount; and the date the check was issued.

The report excludes information protected by the S.C. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

To view the May 2009 expenditure report online, go to the county’s Financial Reports page at http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/Budget/budget4.htm, which also includes the county’s approved budgets, Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, and millage info by fiscal year.

Visit the Charleston County Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org for news, services and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3020

Date: June 4, 2009

Greenbelt Projects: Application Period Opens for Rural and Urban Grants

 Transportation Sales Tax funds support greenbelt projects throughout Charleston County

Charleston County’s Comprehensive Greenbelt Plan provides guidance for spending the greenbelt portion of the Transportation Sales Tax through both an Urban Grants Program and a Rural Grants Program. The purpose of these grants is to distribute the funding in an equitable manner for the conservation of greenspace in Charleston County.

The application deadline for rural and urban greenbelt grant projects is Friday, July 31, 2009.

Completed applications with required attachments should be mailed or hand-delivered to:

Charleston County Government

Attn: Greenbelt Programs

4045 Bridge View Drive, Suite C204

North Charleston, SC 29405

Any applications received after the deadline of 5 p.m. on July 31, 2009, will not be considered for this round of funding. Post marks will not be considered.

A workshop will be held from 9 - 11 a.m. on Friday, June 19, to review the application process and answer questions from potential applicants. The workshop will take place in Charleston County Council’s chambers on the second floor of the Lonnie Hamilton, III, Public Services Building (4045 Bridge View Drive; North Charleston, SC 29405).

Attendance at the workshop is not required for application submittal. However, anyone applying to either the Urban or Rural Grant Program must schedule a pre-application meeting with staff. This meeting will involve the applicant providing an overview of the proposed project followed with technical assistance by staff. Pre-application meetings may be scheduled by contacting the Greenbelt Programs Director at (843) 202-7204.

An application packet can be requested through the Transportation Sales Tax Web site at www.smallchangeforbigchange.org or by e-mailing the Greenbelt Programs Project Officer, Regina Keene, at rkeene@charlestoncounty.org.

The Greenbelt Bank was established by Charleston County Council to protect land and promote balanced growth in the county.

Summaries of previously approved rural greenbelt projects and urban greenbelt projects, including pictures, are available at www.smallchangeforbigchange.org.

SIDEBAR

-       An Eligible Greenbelt Fund Recipient means Charleston County or a municipality in Charleston County; any agency, commission, or instrumentality of the County or municipality within Charleston County; a not-for-profit charitable corporation or trust authorized to do business in this State and organized and operated for natural resource conservation, land conservation, or historic preservation purposes, and having tax-exempt status as a public charity under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and having the power to acquire, hold, and maintain interests in land for these purposes; an agency or instrumentality of the United States Government; and any other entities as may be approved at  the discretion of County Council on a case-by-case basis.

-      Greenbelt funds can be used for the acquisition of land and/or purchase of development rights.

-      Greenbelt funds may also be used to support the following minor improvements that provide public access and use of conservation lands purchased with Greenbelt monies: boardwalks; unpaved roadways; foot bridges; unpaved small parking areas; and unpaved trails.

-       Projects funded with Rural Program monies must occur in the rural area of Charleston County defined by the County’s Comprehensive Plan as the municipalities and unincorporated areas that are located outside the Charleston County Urban Surburban Growth Boundary. These areas include the West St. Andrews area in West Ashley; Wadmalaw Island; Edisto Island; the St. Paul’s area; Hollywood; Meggett; Ravenel; Rockville; Awendaw; McClellanville; and portions of Johns Island, West Ashley and East Cooper.

-       Projects funded with Urban Program monies must occur in the urban area of Charleston County defined by the County’s Comprehensive Plan as the municipalities and unincorporated areas that are located within the Charleston County Urban Suburban Growth boundary. The municipalities and unincorporated lands within this boundary include: 

o    City of Charleston

o    City of Folly Beach

o    City of Isle of Palms

o    City of North Charleston

o    Town of James Island

o    Town of Kiawah Island

o    Town of Lincolnville

o    Town of Mount Pleasant

o    Town of Seabrook Island

o    Town of Sullivan’s Island

o    Unincorporated Charleston County (portions of Johns Island, West Ashley and East Cooper)

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3019

Date: June 3, 2009

Charleston County Council Approves a No-Millage-Increase Budget for Tenth Straight Year

Charleston County Council gave final approval on Tuesday, June 2, to a no-millage-increase budget for fiscal year 2010 (July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010). This marks the tenth year in a row that Council has adopted a budget for Charleston County Government without raising the millage rate.

The $371.1 million operating budget, reduced almost $4 million from the previous year, is the result of county staff preparation beginning in the fall of 2008, followed by two months of County Council meetings where members reviewed the proposed budget, department-by-department, to make adjustments and find ways to meet the county’s financial needs.

“We are proud to have a no-millage increase budget for this fiscal year. We know times are tough for our citizens, and it’s also hard on our county government,” said Teddie Pryor, Charleston County Council Chairman. “For the tenth consecutive year, staff and council have worked hard on behalf of the citizens of the county. For us to be able to help our citizens out while our revenues are still falling is quite a feat.”

In working toward a balanced budget, Council had to consider the impact of declining revenues on citizen services and employee benefits.

Also included in the 2010 fiscal year budget:

• Debt Service payments for a $50 million borrowing to complete the Charleston County Detention Center expansion and the Consolidated Dispatch Center

• Addition of 55 positions for a portion of the year to open the Detention Center expansion.

Visit the Charleston County Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org for news, services and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name: Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email: jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3018

Date: June 1, 2008

Hurricane Season Begins — Are YOU Ready?

            Charleston County Government publishes official 2009 Hurricane Preparedness Guide and Disabilities and Special Needs Emergency Preparedness Guide

Most people know that June 1 marked the beginning of the 2009 hurricane season. And most people have probably heard the predictions for this year, so they realize that there is real potential for a storm to hit the East Coast. But are most people prepared? Are you prepared?

Cathy Haynes, Director of Charleston County’s Emergency Preparedness Division, wants residents to get their family’s emergency plan in place and put together their emergency supply kit prior to a storm.

Now is the time to get ready, and it’s easy with the help of the new 2009 Charleston County Hurricane Guide available at www.charlestoncounty.org.

“Charleston County Government is always preparing for a storm and working with other local and state agencies to do so, but everyone has an individual responsibility to get prepared and make sure their family has a plan,” Haynes said. “Churches and civic groups can also help by printing the small booklet guide for those who do not have access to the Internet. Our entire community needs to help spread the word.”

Haynes also reminds the public that they should plan to leave town if at all possible and everyone along the coast is strongly encouraged to make travel arrangements in advance of an evacuation order.

“Because of the low-lying areas in our county, we will never have enough safe shelter space for all of the residents who live here. Therefore, we encourage everyone who has the means to leave town to do so and to consider shelters only as a last resort when they have nowhere else to go,” Haynes said.

Also, those who have the ability to leave should do so as early as possible.

“You don’t have to wait until a voluntary or mandatory evacuation order is issued,” Haynes said. “If you can, leave as early as possible to make your trip easier and to help relieve the traffic congestion on our roads.”

Charleston County encourages citizens who do not have transportation to know about their Evacuation Pick-Up Points, noted by blue signs. In the event of a mandatory evacuation, busses will transport citizens from 79 pick-up points across the county to the nearest available Red Cross shelter.

“It is vital for residents in our community who don’t have transportation to know where their nearest pick-up point is before the next hurricane approaches our coast,” Haynes said. “It takes all of us working together to make sure our citizens and neighbors are prepared and safe.”

The public can go to www.charlestoncounty.org and click on the “Are You Ready?” banner on the front page of the County’s Web site to download, print, and share:

• The 2009 Charleston County Hurricane Preparedness Guide (in English and Spanish)

• The 2009 Disabilities and Special Needs Emergency Preparedness Guide

Information in the 2009 Charleston County Hurricane Preparedness Guide includes:

• Evacuation information and routes out of Charleston County

• Shelters in Charleston County

• What to do if you don’t have transportation – look for pick-up point signs posted around the county!

• Definitions and what you need to do during hurricane watches, warnings and tropical storms

• Rules to know and items to bring if you have to bring your pet to the pet shelter

• Preparations for your home and your family before the storm

• What you need to have in your emergency supplies kit

• What to do after a storm, including safety measures and handling debris

• A family communications plan form to fill out

• Important phone numbers

The guide will also run throughout hurricane season on the Comcast government-access channel 60.

Visit the Charleston County Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org for news, services and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3017

Date: May 28, 2009

County Council Takes Action to Achieve 40% Recycling Goal

At the May 28, Charleston County Council Finance Committee meeting, County Council directed staff to proceed with the following:

1. Proceed with the development of programs achieving the 40% recycling goal.

2. Aggressively develop public/private partnerships for recycling and disposal.

3. Discontinue negotiations with Montenay regarding the use of the incinerator.

4. Continue to utilize Bees Ferry Landfill at this time and explore public/private partnerships.

5. Report back to Council in no less than 90 days with strategies for Charleston County’s Environmental Management Program.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3016

Date: May 27, 2009

Volunteers Needed for Piccolo Spoleto Finale Recycling Effort

Last year, 280 pounds of recyclables were collected at the finale

Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department (formerly Solid Waste and Recycling Department) and the City of Charleston’s Green Committee have joined together in an effort to recycle as much as possible during the Piccolo Spoleto Finale. The event will take place Saturday, June 6, in Hampton Park (30 Mary Murray Blvd., downtown Charleston) from 4 to 9 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to help manage the recycling effort by encouraging attendees to recycle bottles and cans and making sure that recyclable materials are separated and put into the correct bins.

“This is an important effort,” says Dan Dickison, who helped to coordinate the inaugural recycling initiative at the Piccolo Spoleto Finale last year and is also coordinating this year’s effort. “We’d like for this event to become a fully sustainable undertaking and ultimately serve as a model for other events in this region. Because such a broad spectrum of people from the community attends the finale, it also presents a great opportunity to educate the public about the importance of recycling, as well as the details about what can and can’t be recycled in Charleston County.”

According to Dickison, the recycling initiative at the 2008 finale went well. The effort kept 280 pounds of recyclable materials from going to the Bees Ferry Landfill. Dickison said he is hoping that that 2009 effort will be easier because recycling at events in Charleston is becoming more and more common.

Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department will provide the recycling bins for the finale. There will be 10 to 15 stations around the finale site at Hampton Park, and each station will have one trash can and one recycling bin placed together. Piccolo Spoleto Finale attendees will be encouraged to use the recycling bins for their empty plastic bottles (only #1 and #2 plastic), aluminum cans and glass bottles.

To volunteer or for questions about the Piccolo Spoleto recycling initiative, contact Dan Dickison by e-mail at dwgd82@juno.com or by phone at (843) 607-0365.

SIDEBAR: Piccolo Spoleto

• Produced and directed by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs since 1979, Piccolo Spoleto is the official outreach program of Spoleto Festival USA.

• Piccolo’s mission is to provide access to the Spoleto Festival USA experience for everyone, regardless of their economic, social or physical circumstances and to provide the opportunity for excellent local and regional artists, writers and performers to be showcased in the Piccolo Spoleto Festival venues.

• 2009 Piccolo Spoleto Title Sponsors are Publix and Publix Super Market Charities.

• Tickets may be purchased by calling the Piccolo Spoleto ticket hotline at (888) 374-2656, or online at www.TicketMaster.com.

• Tickets may also be purchased at the Piccolo Spoleto box office, located in the Gaillard Municipal Auditorium at 77 Calhoun Street, with no service charges, or at area Publix Super Markets.

For a ticket brochure and information on Piccolo Spoleto, call the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs at (843) 724-7305 or visit www.PiccoloSpoleto.com.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3015

Date: May 26, 2009

See photo of EPA grant check presentation: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/NewsImages/epa.htm

Charleston County’s “Living Green” TV Show Airs This Weekend and Focuses on Marine Pollution

Viewers can watch the seventh episode of “Living Green,” Charleston County Government’s 30-minute green lifestyle TV show, on Saturday, May 30. The show airs on channel WTAT FOX 24 and My TV Charleston each month.

This month’s topic is “Marine Pollution” and will include representatives speaking about water pollution issues affecting the community, including tips on how to prevent gasoline spills when filling a boat, a discussion on pump-out stations, and information about local programs in which the public can participate to keep the area’s waterways and beaches clean.

Featured guests in the seventh episode of “Living Green” are:

• Dr. Lundie Spence, Director of the SouthEast Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE-SE)

• Cyrus Buffum, Executive Director, Charleston Waterkeeper

• Lt. Jim Litzinger, Environmental Response Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston

The County’s show is funded through a $236,498 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) grant given for Charleston County’s continuing participation in its Project Impact Partnership Program, which aims to reduce local air and water pollution through public education programs.

“The TV show is part of an extensive educational campaign that we are taking on in order to provide information and assistance to our citizens on ways to reduce pollution and improve our air and water quality in order to protect the environment for future generations,” said Carl Simmons, Charleston County’s Building Services Director who oversees the County’s Project Impact program.

The show’s host, Wendy Wicke, is the Senior Environmental Specialist and coordinator of the Charleston County CARE Program. Guests and panelists appear on the show, including experts and scientists on the local, state and national level.

In addition to the “Living Green” TV show, other educational campaigns developed through the CARE program also focus on:

• Reducing on-road diesel emissions through reduced idling, retrofits and the use of alternative fuel vehicles

• Controlling open burning

• Promoting mass transit and encouraging the use of public transportation

• Working with boaters to address marine pollution

• Other air and water pollution reduction strategies aimed at the both the general public and specific audiences

SIDEBAR: Background information on EPA’s CARE Grant and Charleston County’s Project Impact

• EPA’s award is part of EPA’s Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program, a community-based, community-driven program that builds partnerships to help the public understand and reduce toxic risks from numerous sources.

• Since the program was established four years ago, CARE has provided a total of $10.25 million to more than 65 communities nationwide. The Charleston County CARE project is one of just six awarded in the southeast region.

• The Charleston County’s Project Impact Partnership program was formed in 1999 with the help of a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant. There are now 172 local partnership members who focus on making the Charleston County communities more disaster resistant, including undertaking environmental improvement endeavors.

• Project partners previously conducted the Charleston Region Toxics Risk Assessment and identified particulate air pollution and ground level ozone as priority air toxics risks, and fecal coliform bacteria, petroleum product releases and trace metals as priority water pollutants in the Charleston County area. Through the CARE project, project partners aim to heighten local residents’ awareness of these air and water pollution sources and encourage actions that individuals can take to reduce pollution.

• Established in 2005, CARE is a competitive grant program that offers an innovative way for communities to organize and take action to reduce toxic pollution in their air, land and water. By joining forces, for-profit and non-profit organizations can work together to improve the environmental health of a community and its residents.

Visit the EPA CARE Web site at www.epa.gov/care or Charleston County’s Web site http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/BuildingServices/care.htm to learn more about the CARE program.

To schedule a presentation on environmental quality and pollution issues, local groups can contact Charleston County Government’s Building Services Department by phone at (843) 202-6940 or by e-mail at care@charlestoncounty.org.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3014

Date: May 22, 2009

Council Extends Deadline for Accommodations Tax Applications

Government entities and 501(c) groups can apply through Thursday, June 4

During a Charleston County Council meeting on Thursday, May 22, Council voted to reopen the accommodations tax application deadline. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 4.

The local accommodations tax is known as the “tourist tax,” and is a two percent tax paid on hotel rooms in Charleston County. The accommodations tax is available under state law SC 6-1-530 (visit http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t06c001.htm and scroll down to 530) for the following tourism-related expenditures:

• Advertising and promotion related to tourism development

• Maintenance or operation of tourist-related building or facility

• Construction of tourist-related building or facility

• Beach renourishment

Council has committed $175,000 for the fiscal year 2010 budget (July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010) toward the accommodations tax, $25,000 of which will go toward entities in the unincorporated areas of Charleston County.

Applications from government entities and 501(c) tax exempt agencies will be considered for funding.

For more information:

• Charleston County’s Web site is the primary source for accessing the application. To view the application online, go to http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/Budget/index.htm

• Questions regarding pages 1-3 of the applications should be addressed to Daryl Brigman in the Charleston County Budget Office by e-mail at dbrigman@charlestoncounty.org.

• Questions regarding pages 4-6 (the scoring system used by the Charleston Area Visitor’s Bureau) should be addressed to Laurie Lynn Smith by e-mail at lsmith@charlestonCVB.com.

Visit the Charleston County Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org for news, services and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3013

Date: May 22, 2009

Charleston County Closes Edisto Island Magistrate Court

In an effort by Charleston County Government to reduce costs and maintain countywide efficiencies, Charleston County Council voted on Thursday, May 21 to close the Edisto Island magistrate office located at 8070 Indigo Hill Road.

The last day that the court will be open is Friday, May 29.

After May 29, residents on Edisto Island who need court services will be required to use the Ravenel/Hollywood Magistrate office in the George Tumbleston, Jr. Satellite Building located at 5962 Highway 165, Suite 200, in Ravenel. All existing cases will also be transferred to this location.

Upon closure, personnel assigned to the Edisto Island court will be reassigned to another court facility. Anyone with questions may contact the Charleston County Summary Court Administration office at (843) 202-6600.

SIDEBAR: information on the Edisto Island Magistrate Court

• Court has been conducted in a facility leased from Edisto Island Self-Development of People, Inc. for a term of 25 years.

• Charleston County paid $15,000 toward construction of the building in lieu of future rent costs.

• The current 25-year lease ends March 16, 2012. Because Council decided to close the facility, the County will save $45,000 over the remaining three years in costs for security, custodial services, utilities, taxes and insurance.

Visit the Charleston County Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org for news, services and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3012

Date: May 13, 2009

County Council Removes Items from May 14 Planning and Public Works Committee Agenda

          Cases related to requests for private construction and demolition landfill

Charleston County Council announces that the following two items have been removed from its Thursday, May 14 Planning and Public Works Committee meeting agenda:

•        Case ACP-12-08-2221: 8754 Savannah Highway (request for a Charleston County Comprehensive Plan amendment to establish a construction and demolition landfill)

•        Case ZPD-12-08-2222: 8754 Savannah Highway (request for a planned development for the establishment of a construction and demolition landfill)

Charleston County Council will discuss these items on a later date in order to receive more information from staff. The updated agenda item can be found online at http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/Council/agendas.htm.

For more information, contact Kristen Salisbury, Deputy Clerk of Council, at (843) 958-4031.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3011

Date: May 12, 2009

Charleston County Wins Two Recycling Awards

Charleston County’s recycling program wins Most Successful Local Government Award and Recycling Manager John Foster wins Recycler of the Year for South Carolina

Charleston County Government’s Environmental Management Department (formerly Solid Waste and Recycling Department) received the 2009 Most Successful Local Government Award at the Carolina Recycling Association’s 19^th Annual Awards Ceremony. John Foster, Charleston County’s Recycling Manager, also took home the Recycler of the Year Award for the County’s Neighborhood Initiative Program.

2009 Most Successful Local Government Award

• The Charleston County Environmental Management Department was awarded the 2009 Most Successful Local Government Award for having the most successful recycling/waste reduction program in the state.

• Criteria for winning the award included having a successful recycling/waste reduction program, innovation, education, professional leadership and a sustainable program.

2009 Recycler of the Year Award

• Charleston County Recycling Manager, John Foster, received the Recycler of the Year Award for his Neighborhood Initiative Program. Foster was nominated for the award by his staff at the Charleston County Recycling Center because he exemplifies passion for recycling and dedication to his job and community.

• In 2004, Foster developed the volunteer-based Neighborhood Initiative Program. The program uses volunteers to put out a “Recycling Day” sign indicating the curbside pick-up day in their neighborhood. The sign helps remind residents when to put their recycling bins out at the curb.

• The simple volunteer program has greatly increased recycling rates in Charleston County. There are a total of 234 volunteers in the Neighborhood Initiative Program, all of whom Foster has personally spoken to or recruited. A total of 95 new volunteers joined the program in 2008.

• In fiscal year 2008 (July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2008), Charleston County’s Recycling Center achieved its highest revenue total ever at just over $2.7 million, thus making the recycling program a sustainable benefit to the residents of Charleston County.

“We are very proud to have been named the most successful local government in the state for recycling. We continue to strive to do better in our recycling efforts, and we are happy to be recognized for what we have accomplished thus far,” said Gregg Varner, director of Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department. “We are also excited to announce that John Foster won Recycler of the Year for South Carolina. He is an example to all of us and a true leader in the recycling movement.”

As a result of the following staff and community efforts, Charleston County’s amount of recyclable materials collected increased approximately 10 percent, from about 19,000 tons in 2007 to nearly 21,000 tons in 2008:

• Charleston County Government provided curbside collection of recyclables to 130,000 homes in 2008, as well as any commercial establishments along its routes.
• Charleston County operates seven drop-off sites where recyclables, along with household hazardous materials and electronics, are collected for recycling seven days a week. There are an additional 32 drop-off sites for cardboard collection.
• Charleston County targeted 39 new neighborhoods in 2008 and continued the effort to increase recycling rates in participating neighborhoods. Recycling bins were provided and educational materials were distributed to the residents. As a result of these efforts, over 100 neighborhoods have been surveyed and more than 4,200 households began curbside recycling.
• Charleston County collects cardboard, paper, glass and plastic from 82 of the 87 public schools in the county as well as 33 private schools.
• Charleston County implemented a multi-family recycling program at nine apartment complexes in 2008.

The Carolina Recycling Association held its 19^th Annual Conference & Trade Show in Spartanburg, S.C. The annual event brings together recycling professionals and companies providing recycling equipment, products and services for a week of education, networking and recognition. Each year, the CRA presents awards to individuals, municipalities, educational institutions and legislative representatives in both North and South Carolina.

Charleston County also recently won the 2008 Most Outstanding County Waste Reduction/Recycling Program Award for a county with a population greater than 150,000 at the 14^th Annual Recycle Guys Awards Program, which honors South Carolina’s top recycling programs, projects and people. Charleston County won this award the first year the award program was initiated in 1995, and won again in 1999 and 2009.

Visit the Charleston County Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org for more information on Charleston County recycling, and for news, services and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3010

Date: May 11, 2009

Public Input Requested on Possible Closing of Edisto Island Magistrate Court

Residents can provide comments on Tuesday, May 21 to Charleston County Council

In an effort by Charleston County Government to reduce costs and maintain countywide efficiencies, the Edisto Island Magistrate Court located at 8070 Indigo Hill Road will be considered for closure by Charleston County Council.

The public will have an opportunity to provide comments to County Council on the proposed closure of the Edisto Island Magistrate Court at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 21 in Council Chambers at the Lonnie Hamilton Public Service Building (4045 Bridge View Drive; North Charleston, SC 29405).

This meeting was originally scheduled for 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, but Council voted to reschedule it due to requests from citizen groups on Edisto Island.

If County Council decides to close the facility, Citizens on Edisto Island who need court services would be required to use the Ravenel/Hollywood Magistrate office in the George Tumbleston, Jr. Satellite Building located at 5962 Highway 165, Suite 200, in Ravenel. Upon closure, personnel assigned to the Edisto Island court would be reassigned to another court facility.

SIDEBAR: information on the Edisto Island Magistrate Court

• Court is conducted in a facility leased from Edisto Island Self-Development of People, Inc. for a term of 25 years.

• Charleston County paid $15,000 toward construction of the building in lieu of future rent costs.

• The current 25-year lease ends March 16, 2012. If Council decides to close the facility, the County could save $45,000 over the remaining three years in costs for security, custodial services, utilities, taxes and insurance.

Visit the Charleston County Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org for news, services and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3009

Date: May 5, 2009

Charleston County Awards Students for Science Fair Projects on Hazard-Related and Environmental Quality Themes

Charleston County Council will present students with Charleston County’s Project Impact Science Fair Awards during its Tuesday, May 5 meeting.

Charleston County Council will present local students with Project Impact science fair awards during its regular 7 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, May 5.

This year’s winning students will display their projects outside of Council Chambers, beginning at 6:15 p.m., until after they receive their certificates of recognition during the May 5 meeting. Recipients of the awards will receive savings bonds ranging from $100 to $300 depending on whether the award is for first, second, or third place. The awards are funded by Project Impact.

Since the Lowcountry Science Fair in 2000, Charleston County Government’s Project Impact initiative has given awards to the students who created the best projects on a hazard-related theme. Project Impact selects up to three projects annually for the award category, and gives recognition for first, second and third place students. For the first time, in 2008, Project Impact also selected students who created the best projects on environmental quality themes and awarded three additional projects with first, second and third place awards. Three projects have been selected for awards in this category again this year.

“Since the year 2000, projects selected to receive our awards have focused on earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, fire resistance, hazardous materials, terrorism and strength of construction materials,” said Joni Rennhack, Charleston County’s Project Impact Coordinator. “The student projects selected for these Project Impact special awards for the 2009 Lowcountry Science Fair are on hurricanes, earthquakes, strength of bridge designs, proper disposal of recyclable materials, the effect of nitrates and nitrites on bacteria growth in waterways, and how worms in the soil enhance plant growth.”

The award is one of the projects of the Charleston County Area, SC Project Impact Preventive Activities and Structural Projects Committees.

“We are pleased to offer these awards to encourage our youth to study about hazard events and air and water quality and to recognize students for their academic achievements,” Rennhack said. “Each year our judges, who are members or our Project Impact committees, are impressed with the creativity and intellect of the young people who we select to receive our awards. This project is one of many ways the Project Impact initiative is working to make our community more resistant to disasters and to educate our residents about air and water quality.”

Hazard-Related Theme Awards:

• First place: “The Effects of SAL on Major Hurricanes” by Christopher Haufe, tenth grade student at Academic Magnet High School

-      The student analyzed the effects of aerosols from the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) on the formation of major hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin. He studied data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for 1986 to 2008 from July to September to determine if changes in aerosol levels affected the hurricane intensity. He determined that aerosol levels did not affect hurricane intensity, as he had predicted. Haufe said he wants to broaden the scope of his study to see if other factors may be influencing hurricane intensity.

• Second place: “Quake and Break” by Ian Martin, seventh grade student at First Baptist Church School

-      The student studied which type of building supports would better withstand an earthquake. He tested three types of structures and exposed them to an “earthquake” with a shaker board on four corner springs. Martin found that the tallest building stood the longest due to more flexibility of the construction type (the other buildings were smaller but more rigid).

• Third place: “London Bridge is Falling Down” by Cole Shubert, sixth grade student at Charleston Day School

-      The student tested three types of bridge designs (king post, queen post and trapezoidal truss) to see which is the strongest. He placed the same amount of weight on the middle of the span of his three bridge designs to determine which design could best hold the weight. The trapezoidal truss bridge design withstood the test but the other two bridges collapsed. Shubert’s results were consistent with his expectations.

Environmental Quality Theme Awards:

• First place: “Papers, Bottles and Cans, Oh My ” by Suzanne Long and Jasmine Benton, twelfth grade students at West Ashley High School

-      This team of two students studied whether the placement of recycling bins for paper, bottles and cans together influenced recycling rates for these materials. They determined that placing the bins together in the classroom approximately doubled recycling rates compared with bins that were placed separately. Long and Benton were also instrumental in forming a recycling club at their school as a result of their work on this project.

• Second place: “The Effect of Nitrates and Nitrites on the Growth” by Elizabeth Hendry, tenth grade student at Academic Magnet High School

-      The student tested whether nitrates and nitrites affected the growth of E. coli bacteria in five different marine sites. Hendry compared the averages of the results to see if there is a significant difference in the level of nitrates and nitrites on the number of E. coli cultures in Petri dishes. She found that the levels of nitrates and nitrites affected the growth of E. coli bacteria in water bodies.

• Third place: “The Dirt on Worms” by Jamie “McKala” Rhodes, sixth grade student at First Baptist Church School

-      The student tested whether earthworms enhance plant growth by measuring the growth of plants with earthworms in the soil compared with plants without earthworms for a period of several weeks. The plants with the earthworms exhibited more growth than the plants without the earthworms, so Rhodes concluded that earthworms enhance plant growth.

Visit the Charleston County Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org for news, services and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3008

Date: May 4, 2009

Charleston County Offers New Online Services for the Public

            Businesses and residents can now go online to find information on permits, inspections, contractor licenses, etc.

Charleston County has added several new online services to its Web site, www.charlestoncounty.org.

The County recently implemented a new online permitting and inspection system (the direct link to this system is: https://permit.charlestoncounty.org/CAP3.0/Default.aspx) that allows the public to:

• Pay for, apply for and check the status of permits

• Schedule and check the status of inspections

• Pay for, renew and inquire about Charleston County contractor licenses

• Search properties for permits, inspections and plan status

The online records are limited to the areas that the County’s permitting and inspection departments serve, which include the towns and municipalities of Awendaw, Kiawah, Meggett, Ravenel, Rockville, Seabrook and the unincorporated areas within Charleston County.

Citizens can also search and renew business licenses online for the municipalities of North Charleston, Awendaw, McClellanville, Rockville, Lincolnville and Folly Beach and unincorporated areas within Charleston County.

“The online system will promote ‘going green’ in the building and permitting process with inspections, permits and results being available as close as the nearest computer or PDA device,” said Carl Simmons, Charleston County’s Building Inspections Director. “The saving of gas, time and mileage by not having to come to us in person will result in a better bottom line for businesses and the public.”

In the future, the flexibility of the system will allow the County to accept plans for submission and review online. “This is part of a continuing effort by Charleston County Government to improve service delivery to the public,” said Dan Pennick, Charleston County’s Planning Department Director.

The capability to integrate business license data with building inspections is an intricate part of the new system. Charleston County Revenue Collections Director Elbert Matthews said he is excited about the benefits the new system offers the public. “This latest online system is another part of our continued goal to bring local government services to our citizens and empower them to conduct local business transactions from the convenience of their business location or home,” Matthews said.

Visit the Charleston County Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org for news, services and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government. The direct link to the new online permitting and inspection system is https://permit.charlestoncounty.org/CAP3.0/Default.aspx.

Charleston County RoadWise News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3007

Release Date: May 1, 2009

Lane Closures on N. Spartan Boulevard Scheduled to Continue until May 31

Charleston County RoadWise advises the public that intermittent lane closures on North Spartan Boulevard in North Charleston will be utilized as needed until Sunday, May 31.

The intermittent lane closures are required to install a concrete curb and place asphalt on the new and existing roadway. 

At no point will the entire roadway be blocked to traffic. Traffic traveling in each direction on North Spartan Boulevard will be affected for approximately 2,200 feet.

The public is asked to be aware of the reduced speed limit of 25 mph and the flagman operations in this area.

Charleston County RoadWise is the name of Charleston County Government’s management program for the construction of roads, highways, resurfacing, paving and drainage projects that are funded by the Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax.

Visit the official Web site at www.ccroadwise.org for public meeting notices and up-to-date news and information about all Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax projects.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3006

Release Date: April 30, 2009

Night Work Starts May 3 for Folly Road/Maybank Highway Intersection Improvements Project

Lane closures to occur from 9 p.m. – 5:30 a.m. beginning on Sunday, May 3

Charleston County RoadWise advises the public that nighttime lane closures will occur in both directions on Folly Road from Wappoo Cut to the Maybank Highway intersection.

The nighttime lane closures will begin on Sunday, May 3, and continue intermittently for approximately one month. The lane closures will only occur at night from 9 p.m. – 5:30 a.m. to minimize effects on traffic.

Work on the project will include removing the concrete island on Folly Road at the Maybank Highway intersection and removal of the acceleration lane and the curb and gutter at the Folly Road and Country Club Drive intersection.

At no point will the entire roadway be blocked to traffic. The public is asked to take notice of traffic control signs and message board information.

The project is funded by the Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax.

The project, which is expected to be completed by the spring of 2010, is funded by the Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax and managed by the Charleston County RoadWise Program.

The project description is as follows:

• The intersection design addresses the dangerous left turns from Folly Road onto Old Folly Road and from Old Folly Road onto Maybank Highway. The new design includes mast-arm signals (stoplights) to be added to the intersections to allow traffic to turn safely from Folly Road onto Old Folly Road and from Old Folly Road onto Maybank Highway.

• New, landscaped medians with lighting and irrigation will be added to Maybank Highway, Folly Road and Old Folly Road. Sidewalks with pedestrian lighting will be added along Maybank Highway, Folly Road and Old Folly Road.

• The entire project area will be repaved and will have new pavement markings including crosswalks and signs. New stormwater drainage facilities will also be added, including a new 60-inch drainage pipe crossing underneath Maybank Highway and continuing under Wappoo Creek Drive, and all new curbs and gutters along the project area.

The public can get up-to-date project information, including construction status and traffic alerts, online at http://www.ccroadwise.org/folly_maybank.html.

Charleston County RoadWise is the name of Charleston County Government’ss management program for the construction of roads, highways, resurfacing, paving and drainage projects that are funded by the Transportation Half-Cent Sales Tax.

Visit the official Web site at www.ccroadwise.org for public meeting notices and up-to-date news and information about all Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax projects.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3005

Date: April 30, 2009

See Report Online: http://www.smallchangeforbigchange.org/pdfs/2008-Urban-Annual-Report-Final.pdf

Greenbelt Advisory Board Submits 2008 Annual Report to County Council on Urban Grant Projects

            Citizens can go online to see the report and see new pictures of land that has been preserved using Transportation Sales Tax funds       

In accordance with the Comprehensive Greenbelt Plan, the Greenbelt Advisory Board provided an annual report to Charleston County Council on the activities of the Urban Greenbelt Program. The report is also available online so the public can see how Transportation Sales Tax funds were used to protect green space in 2008.

During 2008, two funding cycles were conducted for the Urban Greenbelt Program.  The Urban Grant Review Committee and the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission reviewed the applications that were submitted and recommended 15 projects to Charleston County Council for funding.

The Comprehensive Greenbelt Plan set a goal of protecting 40,000 acres throughout Charleston County. The plan provides guidance for spending the greenbelt portion of the Transportation Sales Tax, and assigns the Urban Grants Review Committee and the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission with the responsibility of reviewing projects submitted to the Urban Grants Program.

Urban land protected since the inception of the program in 2007 through 2008 has contributed 437 acres toward meeting the plan’s goal as follows:

• 179 acres of urban greenbelt lands (nine percent of the goal of 2,000 acres)

• 258 acres of wetlands (combined with wetlands in the rural program, 39 percent of the goal of 5,610 acres)

Citizens can see pictures of the urban greenbelt projects online at www.smallchangeforbigchange.org.

SIDEBAR

• Greenbelt funds can be used for the acquisition of land and/or purchase of development rights.

• Projects funded through the Urban Grants Program must occur in the urban area of Charleston County, as defined by the County’s Comprehensive Plan, as the municipalities and unincorporated areas that are located inside the Charleston County Urban Suburban Growth Boundary. These areas include:

  • Charleston

  • Folly Beach

  • Isle of Palms

  • James Island

  • Kiawah Island

  • Lincolnville

  • Mount Pleasant

  • North Charleston

  • Seabrook Island

  • Sullivan’s Island

And portions of Johns Island, West Ashley and East Cooper areas

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org 

Release Number: 3004

Date: April 29, 2009

Public Input Requested on Possible Closing of Edisto Island Magistrate Court

Residents can provide comments on Tuesday, May 5 to Charleston County Council

In an effort by Charleston County Government to reduce costs and maintain countywide efficiencies, the Edisto Island magistrate office located at 8070 Indigo Hill Road will be considered for closure at the Charleston County Council Finance Committee meeting at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 30. The meeting is open to the public.

The public will have an opportunity to provide comments to County Council on the proposed closure of the Edisto Island Magistrate Court at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5 in Council Chambers at the Lonnie Hamilton Public Service Building (4045 Bridge View Drive; North Charleston, SC 29405).

Council could take a final vote on the matter as early as its regular council meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5.

If County Council decides to close the facility, the court could be closed by the end of May. Citizens on Edisto Island who need court services would be required to use the Ravenel/Hollywood Magistrate office in the George Tumbleston, Jr. Satellite Building located at 5962 Highway 165, Suite 200, in Ravenel. Upon closure, personnel assigned to the Edisto Island court would be reassigned to another court facility.

SIDEBAR: information on the Edisto Island Magistrate Court

• Court is conducted in a facility leased from Edisto Island Self-Development of People, Inc. for a term of 25 years.

• Charleston County paid $15,000 toward construction of the building in lieu of future rent costs.

• The current 25-year lease ends March 16, 2012. If Council decides to close the facility, the County could save $45,000 over the remaining three years in costs for security, custodial services, utilities, taxes and insurance.

Visit the Charleston County Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org for news, services and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3003

Date: April 28, 2009

Greenbelt Groups Meet May 5 and 7

Greenbelt Urban Grants Review Committee Meets Tuesday, May 5 at 3 p.m.

Charleston County’s Greenbelt Urban Grants Review Committee for the Transportation Sales Tax will meet at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5. The meeting is open to the public, and will be held at the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission Headquarters (861 Riverland Drive, next to the James Island County Park).

The Charleston County Comprehensive Greenbelt Plan established the Urban Grant Review Committee to assist the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission in evaluating applications submitted to the Urban Grants Program. The Urban Grant Review Committee comprises two Greenbelt Advisory Board members, two Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission staff and two Charleston County staff.

At the May 5 meeting, the committee will review urban applications received during the March 31 funding cycle and will make recommendations to Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission.

The current Urban Grant Review Committee members are:

• Thomas Johnson, Greenbelt Advisory Board member

• Jeremy Read, Greenbelt Advisory Board member

• Julie Hensley, Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission >staff

• Cynthia Montague, Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission >staff

• Regina Keene, Charleston County staff

• Cathy Ruff, Charleston County staff

Greenbelt Bank Board Meets Thursday, May 7 at 9 a.m.

Charleston County’s Greenbelt Bank Board for the Transportation Sales Tax will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 7.  The meeting is open to the public and will be held in County Council’s Committee Room on the second floor of the Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Service Building (4045 Bridge View Drive off Leeds Avenue in North Charleston). 

The Greenbelt Bank Board was established by Charleston County Council to address the loss of greenspace and promote balanced growth throughout the county.  The Greenbelt Bank will administer the greenbelt project’s Rural Grants Program as outlined in the Charleston County Comprehensive Greenbelt Plan. The Greenbelt Bank Board comprises nine members appointed by Charleston County Council.

At the May 7 meeting, the board will review rural applications received during the March 31 funding cycle and make recommendations to Charleston County Council.

The current Greenbelt Advisory Board members are:

• Chair: Hugh Lane

• Vice Chair: T. Heyward Carter

• Margaret Blackmer

• George John Bullwinkle

• Thomas D. Bulwinkle

• Edwin Cooper

• Wilburn Johnson

• Charles E. Salmonsen

• John Templeton

Call Cathy L. Ruff at (843) 202-7204 for more information about the upcoming meetings, or visit the Transportation Sales Tax Web site at www.smallchangeforbigchange.org to review the Comprehensive Greenbelt Plan, learn about greenbelt initiatives, and find out about upcoming meeting dates.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org 

Release Number: 3002

Release Date: April 21, 2009

See before/after pictures of the project: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/newsimages/Highway162.htm

 
See project information online: http://www.ccroadwise.org/stono_ferry.html

Highway 162 Improvements at Stono Ferry Subdivision Now Complete

            New left-turn lane allows for safer traffic flow past subdivision

Charleston County Government has completed the addition of a new left-turn lane on Highway SC 162 at the entrance of the Stono Ferry subdivision.

Previously, motorists traveling south on Highway SC 162 from US Highway 17 toward the town of Hollywood had to stop behind vehicles trying to turn left into the subdivision, creating an unsafe and inconvenient situation.

The improvement project, which was funded by the Transportation Sales Tax, has widened SC 162 from two to three lanes to allow for the creation of a left-turn lane into the Stono Ferry subdivision.

“By widening SC 162 and creating a left-turn turn lane, motorists can now safely continue straight on SC 162 past vehicles turning left into the subdivision,” Kurt Taylor, Charleston County Deputy Administrator who oversees the Transportation Sales Tax Programs, said.

The project, which was requested by the town of Hollywood, took five months to construct and cost approximately $610,000 including design, right-of-way acquisition and construction. The 1,700 foot-long project also improved the road’s drainage by replacing open ditches along the roadside with curbs and gutters leading to drainage pipes.

The Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax referendum was approved by voters in November of 2004. Collection of the Transportation Sales Tax began in May 2005 and will continue for 25 years or until $1.303 billion is generated for transportation and greenspace related projects and improvements.

Charleston County RoadWise is the name of the Charleston County Government’s management program for the construction of roads, highways, resurfacing, paving and drainage projects that are funded by the Transportation Sales Tax.

Visit the official Charleston County RoadWise Web site www.ccroadwise.comm for more information on project status, public meeting notices, traffic alerts and other up-to-date news and information.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3001

Release Date: April 20, 2009

See proposed improvements & project schedule: http://www.ccroadwise.org/bees_ferry_road.html

See conceptual video: http://www.ccroadwise.org/video.html

Public Hearing on Bees Ferry Road Widening Project, May 4

            Charleston County moves forward on one of the second Transportation Sales Tax bond referendum projects.

In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), Charleston County Government is holding a public hearing to share information regarding environmental impacts with the public and to gather comments on the Environmental Assessment for the Bees Ferry Road Widening Project.

The hearing will be from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, May 4, at West Ashley High School (4060 Wildcat Boulevard; Charleston, SC 29414).

The project is funded by the Transportation Sales Tax and managed by the Charleston County RoadWise Program.

The first public meeting for the Bees Ferry Road Widening Project was held on July 26, 2007. At the July 26 meeting, staff provided information and gathered public comments on plans to widen Bees Ferry Road.

Since that meeting, preliminary plans have been prepared and have been approved by Charleston County Council and the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), and the Environmental Assessment has been approved by the Federal Highway Administration and SCDOT.

The May 4 meeting format will be as follows:

• 6 - 6:30 p.m.: Anyone who wishes to verbally comment at the public hearing must sign up between 6 and 6:30 p.m. when entering the public hearing. Each comment will be limited to two minutes and may not be transferred.

• From 6 - 7 p.m., the hearing format will be informal. Large aerial displays of the entire project will be available for viewing, and project team members will be present to discuss the project on a one-on-one with attendees.

• At 7 p.m., project representatives will make a brief, formal presentation about the project purpose and need, schedule and potential impacts to the community and environment.

• Immediately following the presentation, citizens will have the opportunity to make formal, verbal comments regarding the proposed project. The informal portion of the public hearing will continue after this time.

The following will be available to the public during the May 4 hearing:

• Maps and drawings of the proposed improvements

• Documentation of the project’s environmental effects

• Tentative schedules for right-of-way acquisition

• Tentative schedules for construction

Property owners and business owners on or near the project are requested to attend. Area residents will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments regarding the possible social, economic and environmental effects of the project. Attendees will be able to individually discuss the plans with representatives of Charleston County and the project’s design team. Charleston County will accept written comments for a two-week period following the public hearing.

Details on the Bees Ferry Road Widening Project:

• The 4.5-mile-long project will widen Bees Ferry Road between U.S. Route 17 (Savannah Highway) and S.C Route 61 (Ashley River Road) from a two-lane undivided roadway to a multi-lane divided roadway.

• The intersection of Bees Ferry Road and Savannah Highway will be relocated 1,150 feet to the north of the existing intersection and the existing roadway will be widened from a two-lane section to a four-lane/five-lane section with accommodations for bicycles and pedestrians.

• The project will include a new pedestrian bridge at Bear Swamp Creek and a bridge replacement at a branch of Church Creek.

• The proposed improvements will also provide for future connection to the West Ashley Circle, a proposed ring-road system at Glenn McConnell Parkway.

• Existing traffic signals will be upgraded and a new signal will be added to the relocated intersection of Bees Ferry Road and Savannah Highway.

• Construction is scheduled to begin in March of 2010 and finish in February of 2012.

Related maps and/or drawings, the environmental assessment, and other information is available for public review at:

• S.C. Department of Transportation’s (SCDOT) Central Office at 955 Park Street in Columbia

• SCDOT’s North Charleston Office at 6355 Fain Boulevard, in North Charleston.

• The Charleston County RoadWise office at 4401 Belle Oaks Drive, Suite 105 in North Charleston

A copy of the environmental assessment will also be available 15 days prior to the hearing at:

• The Charleston County Public Library, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston

• The St. Andrews Regional Public Library, 1735 N. Woodmere Dr., Charleston

The Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax referendum was approved by voters in November of 2004. Collection of the Transportation Sales Tax began in May of 2005 and will continue for 25 years or until $1.303 billion is generated for transportation and greenspace related projects and improvements.

The Bees Ferry Road Widening Project is one of the projects approved by voters in the second Trasportation Sales Tax bond referendum in November of 2006. The voters authorized the County to issue an additional $205 million in bonds, which will be repaid through Transportation Sales Tax proceeds. The entire amount of the second bond referendum is allocated for the following transportation improvement projects:

• Glen McConnell Parkway/I-526 Loop Ramp

• Bees Ferry Road Widening

• Folly Road/Camp Road Intersection Improvements

• Future Drive Loop to Ladson

• Maybank Highway Widening

• Medical University Roadway Infrastructure Improvements

Charleston County RoadWise is the name of the Charleston County Government’s management program for the construction of roads, highways, resurfacing, paving and drainage projects that are funded by the Transportation Sales Tax.

Visit the official Charleston County RoadWise Web site www.ccroadwise.com for more information on these projects, public meeting notices and up-to-date news and information.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 3000

Date: April 17, 2009

See picture of building: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/NewsImages/azalea.htm

Charleston County Opens Fleet Equipment Repair Facility

Charleston County Council members, Sheriff Al Cannon, Jr., and other County officials will attend a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 17, to officially open the doors of the new Charleston County Fleet Equipment Repair Facility.

The repair garage will maintain and repair vehicles belonging to Charleston County Government departments and the Sheriff’s Office. Charleston County’s Technology Services’ Radio Operations and the County’s Procurement Department’s Parts Warehouse are also housed in the facility.

“The facility highlights Charleston County Government’s commitment to quality service to our citizens by assuring that our County equipment is in good working order,” said Teddie Pryor, Chairman of Charleston County Council. “This is important because it means that the County’s cars, trucks, ambulances, road graders and all support vehicles are efficiently maintained to provide the best service to our citizens.”

The plan to build the repair garage was approved by Charleston County Council on October 16, 2007. The garage replaces a smaller facility that was built in 1971.

The expanded facility, located at 4371 Headquarters Road in North Charleston, is a 26,744-square foot, two story building. There are 28 employees who will work at the facility under various Charleston County departments.

The project was managed by Charleston County Government’s Capital Projects Department.

Visit www.charlestoncounty.org for other news and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 2999

Date: April 16, 2009

See photo of EPA grant check presentation: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/NewsImages/epa.htm

Charleston County’s “Living Green” TV Show Airs Sixth Episode

This month’s topic: “Emerging Technologies”

Viewers can watch the sixth episode of “Living Green,” Charleston County Government’s 30-minute green lifestyle TV show, in April. The show airs on channels WTAT FOX 24 and My TV Charleston each month.

This month’s topic is “Emerging Technologies” and will include representatives speaking about the potential for near-shore wind energy production in South Carolina and the associated on-going research. There will also be a discussion on technology available to reduce household waste by converting trash into compact pellets that can be used in industrial applications as a fuel source to replace coal and reduce emissions of air pollutants.

Featured guests in the sixth episode of “Living Green” are:

• Marc Tye, Vice President for Conservation and Renewable Energy, Santee Cooper

• Dr. Paul Gayes, Director of the Center for Marine and Wetland Studies, Coastal Carolina University

• Gary Lambertson, Lundell Enterprises

“Living Green’s” sixth episode is scheduled to air on the following dates and times:

DATE                            TIME/STATION

Saturday, April 25       8 a.m. on WTAT FOX 24 (Comcast channel 6)

Tuesday, April 28       10:30 a.m. on My TV Charleston, WMMP (Comcast channel 13)

The County’s show is funded through a $236,498 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) grant given for Charleston County’s continuing participation in its Project Impact Partnership Program, which aims to reduce local air and water pollution through public education programs.

“The TV show is part of an extensive educational campaign that we are taking on in order to provide information and assistance to our citizens on ways to reduce pollution and improve our air and water quality in order to protect the environment for future generations,” said Carl Simmons, Charleston County’s Building Inspection Services Director who oversees the County’s Project Impact program.

The show’s host, Matthew Horton, is a journalism major at the College of Charleston who is doing an internship at Fox 24 and MYTV. Guests and panelists appear on the show, including experts and scientists on the local, state and national level.

In addition to the “Living Green” TV show, other educational campaigns being developed through the CARE project will also focus on:

• Reducing on-road diesel emissions through reduced idling, retrofits and the use of alternative fuel vehicles

• Controlling open burning

• Promoting mass transit and encouraging the use of public transportation

• Working with boaters to address marine pollution

• Other air and water pollution reduction strategies aimed at the both the general public and specific audiences

SIDEBAR: Background information on EPA’s CARE Grant and Charleston County’s Project Impact

• EPA’s award is part of EPA’s Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program, a community-based, community-driven program that builds partnerships to help the public understand and reduce toxic risks from numerous sources.

• Since the program was established four years ago, CARE has provided a total of $10.25 million to more than 65 communities nationwide. The Charleston County CARE project is one of just six awarded in the southeast region.

• The Charleston County’s Project Impact Partnership program was formed in 1999 with the help of a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant. There are now 172 local partnership members who focus on making the Charleston County communities more disaster resistant, including undertaking environmental improvement endeavors.

• Project partners previously conducted the Charleston Region Toxics Risk Assessment and identified particulate air pollution and ground level ozone as priority air toxics risks, and fecal coliform bacteria, petroleum product releases and trace metals as priority water pollutants in the Charleston County area. Through the CARE project, project partners aim to heighten local residents’ awareness of these air and water pollution sources and encourage actions that individuals can take to reduce pollution.

• Established in 2005, CARE is a competitive grant program that offers an innovative way for communities to organize and take action to reduce toxic pollution in their air, land and water. By joining forces, for-profit and non-profit organizations can work together to improve the environmental health of a community and its residents.

Visit the EPA CARE Web site at www.epa.gov/care or Charleston County’s web site http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/BuildingServices/care.htm to learn more about the CARE program.

To schedule a presentation on environmental quality and pollution issues, local groups can contact Charleston County Government’s Building Services Department by phone at (843) 202-6940 or by e-mail at care@charlestoncounty.org.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 2998

Date: April 15, 2009

Charleston County Honors 9-1-1 Emergency Services Dispatchers

            National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week is April 12 -18

Charleston County Government and the Consolidated Dispatch Board is celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week, April 12 -18, by honoring those who work in public safety dispatch centers throughout the county.

On Tuesday, April 7, Charleston County Council passed a resolution declaring the week of April 12-18 as National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week in Charleston County. Additionally, emergency services dispatchers from all emergency dispatching agencies in the county will be honored over lunch hosted by the Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch Board on Wednesday, April 15, as part of a special two-day training program.

There are currently 154 full time dispatch staff members working at public safety dispatch centers throughout Charleston County. Dispatchers are aware of upcoming decisions and planning activities geared toward the full establishment of a Charleston County Consolidated 9-1-1 Center in 2012. Among the changes are new opportunities, such as police dispatchers obtaining training and experience in medical dispatching.

“Our jurisdictions are working well together on the various transitional issues involved in establishing the Consolidated 9-1-1 Center”, said North Charleston Police Chief Jon Zumalt, who is also Chairman of the Consolidated Dispatch Board. “The transitional steps we are taking serve to remind us of the importance of our dispatchers and their critical role in emergency response to citizens. We take this opportunity to express our appreciation to these dedicated professionals.”

Charleston County hired its Consolidated 9-1-1 Center Director, Jim Lake, in October 2008.

“Handling emergency 9-1-1 calls takes extensive training and commitment,” Lake said. “Dispatchers are the primary communications point between the public and police, fire and EMS personnel.”

Emergency services dispatchers are responsible for receiving a wide variety of incoming emergency calls for police, fire and EMS services. After a dispatcher obtains important information, pre-arrival instructions may be given to the caller, and the appropriate response personnel and vehicles are sent and tracked until the incident is concluded.

Emergency services dispatchers are responsible for:

-       Providing public safety assistance to the citizens of and visitors to Charleston County

-       Answering and/or transferring incoming 9-1-1 lines and administrative lines and providing the appropriate pre-arrival instructions

-       Inputting all call information into the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system

-       Dispatching and tracking calls for service for police, fire and EMS units based on the priority of the call, and then responding to all activity and requests generated by the units

-       Working with specialized teams such as S.W.A.T., Air Support, Marine Patrol, K-9, Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, Coroner, Technical Rescue “Ropes” Team, HazMat, etc.

Dispatchers are trained in police, fire or medical protocols, and some have training and experience in multiple disciplines. There are a variety of other certifications that must be obtained, such as E9-1-1 Telecommunicator, Emergency Medical Dispatch and National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Background on National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week:

Each year, the second full week of April is dedicated to the men and women who serve as emergency services dispatchers (known as telecommunicators). The idea for this week was first conceived by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County (Calif.) Sheriff's Office in 1981 and was observed for three years at that agency only. Members of the Virginia and North Carolina chapters of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) became involved in the mid-1980s. By the early 1990s, the national APCO organization convinced the U.S. Congress of the need for a formal proclamation. The resolution was introduced twice more in 1993 and 1994, and then became permanent, without the need for yearly introduction.

Current Charleston County Consolidated 9-1-1 Activities:

-      Consolidation began in January 2009, with Charleston County Sheriff’s Office 9-1-1 and EMS dispatchers joining together under the Consolidated 9-1-1 Director.

-      North Charleston has requested to merge its 9-1-1 operation (already co-located with the County’s operation) under the Consolidated 9-1-1 Director beginning July 1, 2009.

-      Committees of the Consolidated Dispatch Board are actively working on many planning and transitional issues involving operational protocols, technology, facilities planning, and employee transition.

-      Charleston County Council is scheduled to discuss the following topics at the April 16 Finance Committee meeting:

o    Purchase of land for the new Consolidated 9-1-1 Center

o    Programming and design contract

o    North Charleston’s request to consolidate its 9-1-1 operations on July 1, 2009

o    Extending consultant contract for planning assistance

Visit the Charleston County Web site at www.charlestoncounty.org for news, services and up-to-date information relating to Charleston County Government.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 2997

Release Date: April 14, 2009

Image of the project design: http://www.ccroadwise.org/file/doc/follymaybankaltc.pdf

Construction Begins on Folly Road/Maybank Highway Intersection Improvements

Charleston County will oversee major bond project funded by the Transportation Sales Tax

Construction is beginning on improvements to the intersection of Folly Road and Maybank Highway on James Island.

The project, which is expected to be completed by the spring of 2010, is funded by the Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax and managed by the Charleston County RoadWise Program.

Following public input meetings held on May 25, 2006, and March 16, 2007, staff compiled the input and brought a recommendation to Charleston County Council, which approved the recommended Alternative C design in October of 2007. 

The project description is as follows:

• The intersection design addresses the dangerous left turns from Old Folly Road onto Maybank Highway and from Folly Road onto Old Folly Road. The new design includes mast-arm signals (stoplights) to be added to the intersections to allow traffic to turn safely from Old Folly Road onto Maybank Highway and from Folly Road onto Old Folly Road.

• New, landscaped medians with lighting and irrigation will be added to Maybank Highway, Folly Road and Old Folly Road. Sidewalks with pedestrian lighting will be added along Maybank Highway, Folly Road and Old Folly Road.

• The entire project area will be repaved and will have new pavement markings including crosswalks and signs. New stormwater drainage facilities will also be added, including a new 60-inch drainage pipe crossing underneath Maybank Highway and continuing under Wappoo Creek Drive, and all new curbs and gutters along the project area.

Roadwork that requires lane closures will only occur at night from 9 p.m. – 5:30 a.m. to minimize effects on traffic.

The public can get up-to-date project information, including construction status and traffic alerts, online at http://www.ccroadwise.org/folly_maybank.html.

The Folly Road and Maybank Highway Intersection Improvements project was requested by the city of Charleston and approved by voters in the first Transportation Sales Tax bond referendum. The voters of Charleston County authorized the County to issue $77 million in bonds, which will be repaid through Transportation Sales Tax revenues. The entire amount of the first bond referendum is allocated for the following transportation improvement projects:

• Palmetto Commerce Parkway

  • Phase I (complete)

  • Phase II (under construction)

• James Island Improvements

  • Harbor View Road

  • Folly Road and Maybank Highway Intersection Improvements (under construction)

• Loop Ramp from James Island Connector to Folly Road

• Glenn McConnell Parkway / Bees Ferry Road Intersection

• Hwy 17 / SC 61 Connector

• US 17 / Johnnie Dodds Boulevard

Charleston County RoadWise is the name of Charleston County Government’s management program for the construction of roads, highways, resurfacing, paving and drainage projects that are funded by the Transportation Sales Tax.

Visit the official Web site at www.ccroadwise.org for public meeting notices and up-to-date news and information about all Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax road projects.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: (843) 958-4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 2996

Date: April 8, 2009

Charleston County Council Announces Vacancies on Boards and Commissions

Charleston County Council announces the following vacancies on boards and commissions:

• Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals

  • One vacancy for a resident state fire marshal

• Saint Pauls Fire District Commission

  • One vacancy for the Edisto Island seat

• Procurement Appeals Board

  • Two vacancies

• Board of Assessment Appeals

  • Three vacancies

• Board of Social Services

  • One vacancy

• Charleston Center Advisory Board

  • One vacancy

• Forestry Board

  • One vacancy

• Library Board of Trustees

  • One vacancy

• Charleston Regional Development Alliance

  • One vacancy

• Park and Recreation Commission

  • Four vacancies

• Firemen’s Insurance and Inspection Fund (one percent commission)

  • One vacancy from James Island Public Service District

  • Two vacancies from St. Pauls Fire District

  • Three vacancies from St. Andrews Public Service District

Charleston County Council encourages citizens of Charleston County who are willing to volunteer to serve on one of these important boards to submit an application for appointment. The application deadline is July 6, 2009. To find Charleston County Council’s application for appointment, please visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/Council/AppointApp.htm

Applications will be considered by County Council’s Administration Policy and Rules Committee at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2009. This committee comprises five members of Charleston County Council. The committee will make recommendations to fill these vacancies to full Council, and County Council will vote on those recommendations at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2009.

For questions or more specific information regarding each board, contact Kristen Salisbury, Deputy Clerk of Council, at (843) 958-4031, or visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/Council/AppointCommissions.htm.

Charleston County News Release

MEDIA CONTACT

Name:   Jennie Davis, Charleston County Public Information Officer

Phone: 843.958.4012

Email:   jdavis@charlestoncounty.org

Release Number: 2995

Date: April 7, 2009

See winning artwork: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Newsimages/2009earthday.htm

&