Congresswoman Nancy Mace has introduced the “Pothole Accountability Act,” aimed at improving the management of pothole repairs in South Carolina. This initiative mandates the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to enhance transparency and accountability regarding pothole maintenance.
Key Features of the Pothole Accountability Act
The proposed legislation outlines specific requirements for SCDOT to follow:
- Establish a public online dashboard that tracks pothole reports.
- Publish an interactive map detailing every reported pothole and road defect.
- Display the number of days each repair request is open.
- Provide explanations for any repairs extending beyond a ten-day window.
- Report weekly statistics on response times segmented by county.
- Make all information available for public download.
Comparative Response Times
Mace’s proposal highlights the importance of prompt responses to pothole repairs. She references major cities as benchmarks for efficiency:
- Chicago aims to locate and address potholes within seven days.
- Boston and Washington, D.C., target a response time of 48 to 72 hours.
The goal for SCDOT is to resolve issues within 10 days. This deadline reinforces Mace’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Impact on South Carolinians
Mace emphasized the necessity for residents to feel acknowledged when they report road defects. She stated, “South Carolinians deserve to know that when they report a problem, someone is actually listening.”
She called for better communication regarding the timeline of repairs, stressing that transparency is crucial. Mace noted, “If a pothole in Anderson County is going to take one month because there’s one crew covering four counties, just tell people that.”
The Pothole Accountability Act represents a significant step toward improved road maintenance in South Carolina, ensuring residents are informed about the status of their reported issues.
