CRMCA End-of-Year Report
2025 Legislative, Industry & Economic Overview and 2026 outlook. Compiled by Ben Homeyer of 1101 Public Affairs, CRMCA South Carolina Lobbyist.
Letter From 1101 Public Affairs
2025 has been a landmark year for South Carolina’s construction and ready-mixed concrete industries. Population growth, economic investment, and infrastructure demands have reached historic levels — and the work of CRMCA members has never been more essential.
This report summarizes what happened across the state this year, the legislative and regulatory landscape, and the opportunities and challenges ahead in 2026.
2025: A Transformative Year for South Carolina
South Carolina Is Booming
South Carolina is the fastest-growing state in the country, with a population growth rate double the national average.
That growth is fueling demand in every part of our economy:
- More homes
- More industrial and manufacturing facilities
- More distribution centers
- More schools, hospitals, and public buildings
- More visitors in our tourism regions
- And critically — more concrete and aggregates
Major manufacturing projects, record-breaking tourism, and national attention demonstrate South Carolina’s momentum.
Infrastructure: The Backbone of the Economy
Infrastructure Impact (2021–2027)
- $56.2 billion total economic impact
- More than 45,000 jobs annually
- Average wages of $63,000 — nearly 10% above the state average
Looking Ahead to 2035
- 157,000 new jobs
- $16.3 billion in new personal income
- Job growth outpacing national averages
The takeaway:
Infrastructure is not a cost — it is one of the highest-yield investments South Carolina can make.
Rural South Carolina Cannot Be Left Behind
Growth is not limited to Charleston, Columbia, or Greenville. Rural South Carolina relies on infrastructure just as much:
- 23% of rural workers commute across county lines
- Many residents travel 30+ minutes for basic healthcare
- Schools and workforce training require reliable access
- Economic mobility in rural areas depends entirely on transportation options
In rural counties, infrastructure is not a luxury — it is a lifeline.
Every Major Industry Depends on Our Members
CRMCA materials and expertise support:
- Manufacturing (plants, foundations, sitework, and haul routes)
- Logistics (stable pavements, loading areas, and intermodal access)
- Tourism (safe access to beaches, parks, historic districts)
- Agriculture (farm-to-market routes)
- Healthcare (clinics, hospitals, rural access)
And underpinning all of this are more than 2,000 South Carolina bridges requiring repair or replacement.
Industry Capacity & Investment Remain Strong
Across the state, CRMCA members have:
- Expanded plant capacity
- Modernized equipment fleets
- Invested in efficiency, technology, and safety
- Prepared product mixes and inventories for growing demand
- Strengthened operational balance to ensure consistent supply
This proactive approach ensures members can support both rural and urban growth at the pace South Carolina requires.
2025 Legislative & Regulatory Landscape
House Ad Hoc Committee on DOT Modernization
One of the biggest developments this year was the creation of the House Ad Hoc Committee on Department of Transportation Modernization — led by Rep. Shannon Erickson and Rep. Heather Crawford.
The committee has already held numerous full and sub-committee hearings, with more scheduled as the General Assembly approaches session.
Issues under active review include:
- Vehicle weight limits
- Bridge posting and detour systems
- Permitting reforms
- State Transport Police coordination
- Project delivery timelines
- Long-term funding strategies
- Alternative materials and procurement flexibility
CRMCA has been involved from the beginning and will continue representing the industry’s interests. From across the entire infrastructure industry ideas are being incorporated to come up with legislation when the General Assembly begins January 13th.
Weight Limits: The Central Issue for Ready Mix
Weight limits remain one of the most important topics heading into 2026.
CRMCA has emphasized that weight policies must balance:
- Safety
- Efficiency
- Modern equipment standards
- Realities of today’s material densities
- Road and bridge protection
CRMCA is working directly with:
- SC Department of Transportation
- State Transport Police
- Lawmakers on the Ad Hoc Committee
- A new Heavy Truck Caucus made up of trucking, aggregates, manufactured housing, agriculture, and others
With fines and permitting reform already under discussion, 2026 will be a pivotal year for weight-limit legislation.
Recent Policy Wins
Several wins this year have strengthened South Carolina’s business and infrastructure climate:
- Tort Reform – Phase One Completed
A more predictable legal climate is emerging, but more reforms are coming, and stakeholder meetings are already underway. (More tort reform related to the statute of repose is being considered by the Houe Judiciary committee and will be a topic for both bodies this session.
- Hands-Free Driving Act Passed the House
Improves safety for drivers, workers, and commercial operators.
- Increased Funding for Major Agencies
DOT, Commerce, DMV, and other infrastructure-related agencies received funding increases that support faster and more efficient project delivery.
State Funding Outlook: Record Revenue
South Carolina’s economic strength continues to exceed projections.
As of the latest reports:
- $1.7 billion in nonrecurring revenue has been put in place by the BEA
- $700+ million ahead in recurring revenue has also been certified.
- SC DOT in their official budget request to the Governor requested $300 million for bridges. This was prior to the numbers above so those dollars could go up.
