1999 Grant Recipient Information
South Carolina

Development and Implementation of a Model Program Strategy to Link Transportation, Infrastructure, and Land Use Planning for the Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Region of South Carolina
Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester Region, South Carolina

Abstract

The goal of this proposal is to evaluate past and future growth patterns and promote sustainable growth in the Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester region, the Berkeley, Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments (BCDCOG). The proposed project builds. on the previous work conducted by the BCDCOG utilizing satellite imagery to graphically depict growth patterns over twenty years in the region and using the identified patterns to project impacts for the future. The project will also include estimating the costs of sprawl. This includes an evaluation of environmental losses if growth patterns continue and a projection of fiscal costs from extending infrastructure to accommodate growth at the continued rate and pattern. Further, the project involves the compilation of alternative land use and growth pattern strategies and the identification of techniques that encourage organized and sustainable growth.

The principal intent of the project is to illustrate for policy makers and citizens the impacts and costs (in environmental losses as well as fiscal impacts) of particular growth patterns as experienced in the past twenty years, as well as to project those same impacts and costs if a similar pattern of growth is continue& From this, alternatives and recommendation will be developed to encourage smarter and more efficient growth. It is anti6pated that the results of this project will assist counties and municipalities with implementing land use regulations, comprehensive plans, and other development related tools which more effectively reflect the importance of practicing growth that integrates environmental protection with community and economic goals.

The Berkeley Charleston Dorchester region contains a population of region than one-half million. It consists of three counties and twenty-six municipalities, with the City of Charleston being the largest in population size. It is anticipated that this project will enhance the efficiency of the region's transportation system by more effectively managing growth in the region and addressing various quality of life issues.

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