Recently debate has been stirring in Columbia about the current recommendations on a major change in the South Carolina government structure, often referred to as the “Administration Bill.” This effort, supported by Gov. Nikki Haley, would make a number of changes that ultimately give more power/control to the executive branch.
One of the provisions in the governor's Administration Bill would essentially eliminate the SCDOT commission and transfer the power to decide funding priorities for roads/highways/bridges/etc. to the governor's office. So why should the Grand Strand and the hospitality industry be concerned? Historically the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions have collectively been left holding the bag when it comes to current and future infrastructure needs while other areas of the state continue to bask in building, updating and upgrading their overall infrastructure at the expense of our community.
The future of Hospitality and Tourism, the lifeblood of our community and the number one industry in the state of South Carolina, depends on growing our infrastructure while bringing new dollars into our collective community through new visitors to the area. We need, and frankly must have, I-73 and other infrastructure investments in our region to enhance our tourism base, diversify our economy and open up sectors of economic development and job growth.
While we appreciate the current administration and the Legislatures’ effort to look at more effective management of state government, the current plan to eliminate the SCDOT commission and all of its hard work would make the infrastructure plan for our state largely a political football that could shift-and-change at the whim of any administration. At best, our state’s infrastructure long-term plan would last no more than the 4-year term of any future governor.
Whether or not you agree with giving the governor's office more power is one thing, but eliminating the SCDOT commission without a viable plan to advance South Carolina’s transportation infrastructure needs would severely impede the future growth of the $6.5 billion dollar Grand Strand tourism economy. A great example of what could come if the commission is eliminated is a separate bill that has already passed a House committee that would require every DOT expenditure of $20 million or more to pass the House. This would start a trend that would make transportation funding far more political than it currently is today. That's bad news for areas like the Grand Strand where we will always be challenged to amass the votes we need to make our needs Columbia’s priorities.
We sincerely appreciate the recognition by the administration and our legislators’ that tourism growth is a key reason the future economic prosperity of South Carolina looks bright. Let’s not take a step back and risk all of our futures by politicizing our infrastructure needs.
The White House today issued a 60-day extension that will push the compliance date for the pool lift requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to May 15, 2012.
DOJ will also publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with a 15-day comment period on a possible six-month extension in order to allow additional time to address misunderstandings regarding compliance with these ADA requirements.
This major shift in response is a direct result of work by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, dedicated hoteliers that repeatedly contacted members of Congress seeking redress, and the industry’s collective strength displayed during AH&LA’s 2012 Legislative Action Summit. Thank you to all of our members - this delay would not have occurred without the lodging industry’s impressive grass roots response.
AH&LA engaged in an extensive media campaign, with national coverage expected tomorrow during CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. For additional coverage, click here.
While AH&LA has sought a common-sense solution to the pool lift issue, it must be stressed that the lodging industry is extremely supportive of the numerous other provisions of the ADA that take effect today. AH&LA has extensive ADA resources for hotelier, including AH&LA’s new 2012 ADA Guide, available here (Member Login Required).
Next Steps for Hoteliers:
AH&LA will follow up with the extraordinary number of Congressional offices that have reached out on behalf of the lodging industry, as well as the White House.
Hoteliers should proceed forward in complying with the pool lift requirement under the ADA, albeit with a more realistic implementation schedule. Properties featuring pools and spas will still need a means of entry, and AH&LA will meet with the White House next week to discuss the original interpretation of the 2010 ADA Standards.
March 15 Deadline and January Clarification Reiterated
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) informed AH&LA this week that it would not revisit its January 31 clarification requiring all public swimming pools to have permanently affixed lifts if readily achievable, nor would it extend the March 15, 2012, deadline for lodging facilities and other public accommodations to comply with the new requirements.
AH&LA is extremely disappointed in the DOJ’s refusal to address the lodging industry’s concerns and is continuing to seek redress from Congress and the Administration, including:
• Lobbying Congress - this has generated numerous letters and calls from members of Congress for a reasonable interpretation of the 2010 ADA regulations.
• Leading a coalition of affected industries to call on DOJ to restore the original interpretation of the 2010 regulations. AH&LA submitted a letter to DOJ signed by several other organizations on March 13.
• Continued meetings with White House and Administration agencies including the Small Business Administration and the Office of Management and Budget.
• Publishing an ADA Guide online for compliance which members can use for current and future ADA needs. A copy is available at www.ahla.com.
• Implementing a media strategy intended to bring daylight to this anti-business regulatory interpretation.
Next Steps for Hoteliers:
DOJ has stated that hoteliers, at the very least, need to demonstrate that they have shown due diligence in attempting to install a permanently affixed pool lift in advance of the March 15, 2012 deadline. While AH&LA is still pursuing remedies for hoteliers related to the deadline and need for a permanently affixed lift, DOJ is not currently backing down on these requirements.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – On behalf of the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association board
and staff we are saddened to hear of the death of Tom Sponseller.
He was a champion of hospitality and tourism and he gave so much to the state of
South Carolina and to the industry. His dedication, knowledge and hard work have shaped
the future of our industry. He will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom’s wife, family, friends and SCHA staff during this
difficult time.
The Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association is the voice of the Hospitality Industry
and a tourism advocate, whose role is to promote the industry’s needs, ensure a healthy
tourism economy, and educate our membership and the public about industry issues.
SC Hospitality Association members and staff are deeply concerned for Tom Sponseller’s whereabouts. He was last seen in the association office at noon on Saturday February 18, 2012. The Columbia Police Department has launched a full investigation and we are working with them. Tom has served as President and CEO of the South Carolina Hospitality Association for nearly 22 years. He is a prominent hospitality industry leader here in our state as well as nationally. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family and friends.
The family has created a facebook page to help find Tom and provide information. Facebook Page
If anyone has any information please contact Midlands Crime Stoppers at (888) CRIME-SC or the Columbia Police Department at (803) 545-3500. We will update the statement as more information comes available.
