Who’s paying for ‘Fix Horry Roads’ ads throughout the Myrtle Beach area? What we found out
Weeks before election day, blue and yellow signs with bold letters that say “Vote Yes!” and “Fix Horry Roads,” have cropped up across the county.
In addition to the smaller yard signs, Myrtle Beach area billboards and television stations have promoted the same message in favor of the Ride 4 ballot measure.
The group that’s financially responsible for these political advertisements is a 501(c)(4) organization, Fix Horry Roads.
“As a registered 501(c)(4), the Fix Horry Roads initiative is a community-driven organization focused on educating the public about the upcoming election day referendum, improving transportation infrastructure across Horry County and showcasing the benefits of continuing the county’s RIDE initiative,” the group’s chairman, Steve Mays said in a statement to The Sun News on Thursday. “Fix Horry Roads’ officers include myself, Laura Crowther, Ryan Swaim, Shawn Godwin and Benjy Hardee. The education campaign is funded through contributions from local residents and businesses that have a vested interest in improving the quality of life for residents and upgrading the county’s infrastructure.”
Ride 4 is the only local measure on the Horry County ballot this election cycle.
If passed, a 1% special use tax will be used to fund different road projects, pave dirt roads and enhance mass transit systems in Horry County, the ballot measure said.
According to information on Ride 4 from Horry County, this transportation tax will have an allowable collection period for up to 25 years or until they collect $6,350,000,000, whichever comes first. If passed by voters, the collection will begin on May 1, 2025.
