COLUMBIA: June 9, 2009 – Five residents of the Third Congressional District have been found qualified to serve on the South Carolina Department of Transportation Commission.  The Joint Transportation Review Committee released its Report of Qualifications today and forwarded the names of those qualified to the members of the General Assembly residing in the Third District. These members will then elect a candidate to serve on the commission.

The following residents were screened on June 3 and are found to meet the qualifications prescribed by law:

            Mr. Roy E. “Eddie” Adams of Seneca

            Mr. J. Phillip Bowers of Pickens

            Mr. Charles C. Eberhart of Belton

            Mr. C. Douglas Finney of Pickens

            Mr. Edward H. “Ed” Martin of Central

The candidates are running to fill an unexpired term that expires February 15, 2012.  The Third Congressional District of South Carolina is the same as the DOT’s Third Commission District, and includes all or part of Abbeville, Aiken, Anderson, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Oconee, Pickens, and Saluda counties.

The seven-member DOT Commission is charged with planning, construction, maintenance and operation of the State Highway System and the development of a mass transit policy program.  Candidates must meet eligibility requirements and possess certain qualifications in order to serve. 

The Joint Transportation Review Committee determines whether applicants are qualified. The report helps members of the General Assembly make a more fully informed vote. 

Unless otherwise notified, the report will become final on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at noon, after which time the resident members of the Third District are free to hold a duly-called meeting for purposes of electing a commissioner.  The report is posted online at www.scstatehouse.net on the ‘Citizens’ Interest’ page under ‘Joint Transportation Review Committee’.