The census numbers are out, and are looking very good for Horry County.
From 2000 to 2010, South Carolina's population increased 15.3% To 4,625,384. Horry County's population grew 37%, with a 2010 population of 269,291. The city of Myrtle Beach grew 19.1%.
More than $400 billion over the next ten years in federal aid at stake with the 2010 census. In 2000, South Carolina ranked 49th among the states in being under counted. That means there was a significant number of people in South Carolina who failed to fill out and return their census forms. Horry County leaders project the county missed out on between $28 million and $50 million as a result. For each person not counted, the state misses about $1,200 per year over a ten year periodThat money is needed for schools, police and fire protection and other agencies that receive public funding. The Coast RTA is one of those.
Coast RTA General Manager and CEO Myers Rollins Jr. says the public transportation provider depends primarily on federal funding.
"We have been tracking this much closer than many agencies," he says.
That money is extremely important now, Rollins says, because of an increase they've been seeing as more people opt for a bus ride to save on gas.
The Grand Strand transit system has seen a 25% increase in business.
"Our fiscal year ends on June 30th," says Rollins, "and we are close to surpassing last year's numbers with three and a half months left."
Last year the company had to eliminate the route to The Market Common, one of the fasting growing routes, because of budget cuts.
The other issue on the table is redistricting. According to State Rep. Alan Clemmons the census numbers also indicate that Horry County has the population to add a 7th seat in the South Carolina State House of Representatives.
The state will also add a 7th U.S. congressional district. And because of population growth Horry County could be a big part of that new district which will be determined by the state legislature later this year.
Clemmons says he will "advocate for all of Horry County to be included as a significant part in the new 7th congressional district."
Horry County Councilman Gary Loftus is skeptical how much difference that could mean in terms of federal funding for projects like Coast RTA, and the possibility of I-73.
"Let me give you this number. We're going from having 1.4 percent in the House of Representatives to 1.6 percent. How much of a difference is that going to make?" Loftus says.
Wednesday night on Your News at 11, U.S. Representative Tim Scott, who represents the coastal counties of South Carolina, will weigh in about the addition of a House seat to South Carolina.
Do you think the population increase will make a big difference in money coming to Horry County and the Grand Strand? Where would you like to see federal money go?
