Beaufort County applies for federal funds to revive full US 278 bridge project
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Beaufort County Council voted Monday evening to apply for federal funding for the full six-lane U.S. 278 corridor project — but county staff say they could still pursue the smaller three-lane bridge if the grant comes through.
The vote follows last month’s unanimous approval by the South Carolina State Infrastructure Bank of a scaled-back, three-lane eastbound bridge estimated to cost $311.6 million. The bank committed $120 million toward that version after voters rejected a roughly $1 billion penny sales tax that would have helped cover the original project’s rising costs — a controversial design that voters effectively rejected last year.
That 2024 referendum, which could return to the ballot in November 2026, failed in part due to public frustration over the pace of past projects and concerns about government transparency. County resident Felicity LaMarca, who was present at the meeting, still feels unheard.
“The failure of that referendum wasn’t about the penny. It was about trusting this council to spend our money wisely,” she said. “Reviving the $500 million monolithic structure to Hilton Head does not show us you are working for solutions.”
LaMarca urged the council to consider alternatives, such as a second route on and off the island.
The federal grant application is part of the Bridge Investment Program, a competitive initiative under the Federal Highway Administration that funds large-scale bridge projects over $100 million. If awarded, Beaufort County could receive up to $200 million. That would join roughly $300 million already committed by the county, the town of Hilton Head, the state Department of Transportation and the State Infrastructure Bank — enough to fully fund the $466.8 million six-lane plan.
While the county awaits a decision — expected in six to nine months — it will continue developing the three-lane bridge design, which is currently only 10% complete, Assistant County Administrator Jared Fralix said. Advancing that version will keep the project moving without delay or added cost, he said — a point meant to reassure state partners who have already committed funding.
If the grant is awarded, the county could return to the six-lane plan, which is already further along in design. Either way, Fralix said, the target completion date remains December 2030.
The vote to apply for the grant passed with two dissenting votes, including one from Council Member Tom Reitz, who represents Hilton Head Island. He said his district was divided over the 2024 penny sales tax and that many residents — both at Tuesday’s meeting and in past discussions — have voiced opposition to a larger bridge.
“Bigger is not always better,” Reitz said.
