Last week, the Columbia Area League of Women Voters hosted a special presentation on the 2024 Richland County Transportation Penny Referendum and its effect on the County’s public transportation system, The COMET. The events featured local leaders and community members who gathered to learn about and discuss The COMET’s current and future public transit plans.
The presentation, delivered by Maurice Pearl, Executive Director and CEO of The COMET, outlined the funding needs of The COMET that would be supported by the 2024 Richland County Transportation Penny Referendum. This referendum aims to support the expansion and sustainability of the County’s public transportation system. The referendum, which will be voted on November 5, is expected to generate $4.5 billion over the next 25 years, with 22% of the funds allocated to The COMET. It is important to note that this funding will continue the current 2012 Penny and will not impose an additional tax.
Attendees were informed about the impact of the current Transportation Penny, approved by voters in 2012, and The COMET’s development, along with the priorities of the 2024 Referendum, should citizens deem it essential for the County’s progress.
“To make well-informed decisions when casting their votes in November, it is important to ensure that everyone has all of the information surrounding the Referendum and knowledge of the potential impact on the public transportation system and future development of the county,” Mr. Pearl said. “The COMET is working with the County to ensure that every member of the community has the knowledge needed to make educated choices that will shape the trajectory of the county’s transportation infrastructure.”
For more information about the 2024 Richland County Transportation Penny Referendum and to request a speaker at an upcoming community event, please visit RichlandPenny.com.
