When I-526 is built and opened to traffic, perhaps local lawmakers will name it after the Biblical figure Lazarus. Such a name would suit a project that returned from the dead this afternoon, as Charleston County Council voted 6-3 to reconsider its April 19 decision to nix the project. The vote came after the county heard from members of the State Infrastructure Bank, which had agreed to fund the $420 million project and wanted the county to refund $11.6 million already spent. Council members spent almost an hour in closed session to get legal advice before returning to open session and taking the vote. Councilman Henry Darby, who had voted not to build it, made three motions that could bring the project back to life. “We have a tradition of compromise,” he said. Both Darby and Councilwoman Anna Johnson reversed their earlier position. Councilman Vic Rawl said Darby’s motion essentially gives the county leverage to talk with the State Infrastructure Bank about new options. “What we are doing is not necessarily changing the position of council,” Rawl said. “What we’re doing is allowing us the leeway to investigate any and all opportunities which we could not do if we were in default and if we were under a strictly no build option.” But those supporting the highway that would link Folly Road with Citadel Mall via Johns Island appeared more pleased. Both Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey addressed council and praised members for their decision. Riley said I-526 is important to alleviate future James Island and West Ashley traffic and for future hurricane evacuations on the sea islands. Summey said no moving ahead would the project could risk other county road projects. Both supporters and opponents packed the 180-seat chambers and wore colorful circular stickers to signal whether they wanted the project nixed or built. Most in the audience seemed to be motivated by their perceptions of how the new highway – or lack of it – would affect traffic near their home, though some also seemed to favor the project as a source of jobs. The decision, made by council’s Finance Committee, was expected to be ratified later this evening when full council meets. Read more in tomorrow’s Post and Courier.

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