TheDigitel

Update August 26: According to Seanna Adcox of the Associated Press the South Carolina Department of Transportation has caught up on all overdue bills to contractors. 

Update August 17: The Post and Courier reports that the S.C. Department of Transportation has received a $52 million cash advance.

That's money that would have normally been received in even installments throughout the next 12 months — hopefully the agency won't burn through it to land in a more dire situation later this year.

First reporting August 14:With $28 million in cash on hand and some $120 million in immediate debts, it's no surprise that payments by the S.C. Department of Transportation are running late.

Normally contractors are repaid within 30 days, but of late that number has stretched up to 90 days.

While a poor situation for certain, there is little chance the department will bankrupt, but there is concern over how the situation is to be resolved — one side says it's better that SCDOT be allowed a line of credit for future funding hiccups while Gov. Nikki Haley is advocating turning to the federal government for speedier disbursement of $52 million.

The Post and Courier has the full rundown on the scenario. WPDE also has one with some local tie-ins. WMBF covered it as well.

The timing is also of note as South Carolina is arguing for $36 million in special education funding from Washington but refusing to pursue $144 million in teacher pay.