FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)-Roads and infrastructure are hot topics around the state but for those in Florence County, roads should constantly see improvements over the next six years. Earlier in the week county council approved three contracts that will cost more than 3.9 million dollars under the second penny sales tax. Though a long and perhaps pricey project, Florence drivers say improvements are needed.
 “I’m constantly swerving out of the way or blowing out tires, I’ve blown out quite a few tires.”
Rita El-Khabbaz describes the poor road conditions of Florence county, and after living in Florence for a while, she says she isn’t the only one.
 “I’ve seen so many people hit pot holes and have to pull over on the side of the road which in itself is dangerous.”
But there’s good news for Florence drivers. Under the second penny sales tax, 85 damaged roads will be repaired.
 “Some dirt roads are being paved, some paved roads are being resurfaced all to make travel in our county much safer for our citizen,” said Jason Springs, Florence county council man.
County councilman Jason Springs says the road improvements have been put off for too long and safety is the number one priority.
“Public safety is the number one function of local government and while this project sales tax does include a large number of projects we have placed a high priority on roads as well because we recognize the safety of our citizens is one of the upmost things we are here to provide.”
Springs says council recognized the burden the state has trying to get funding for road improvements so as a county they wanted to be proactive to get the much-needed repairs.
“We decided the best thing we could do was to help them with some of these roads. That’s why you see a lot of local roads getting resurfaced or improved that otherwise the state didn’t have the money to do in the current budget time.”
And Springs says while the project will be pricey, citizens are only paying two-thirds of the tax.
“One-third of that penny comes from those outside of Florence County that come here to that come here every day to shop and require the use of our services.”
The overall project will cost more than fifty million dollars, a project Springs says is well worth it.
“No one wants anyone to have a bad accident but we definitely don’t want it to be because of the condition of our roads.”
County councilman Jason Springs says road projects will start soon. Completion of all of the roads will be done by April 2021.