This week, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced he would like to see the State Legislature to earmark $300 million in COVID relief money to build an I-73 expansion to Myrtle Beach.
From the article:
McMaster and other leaders hope by building the first segment, the rest of the road will follow. Environmentalists and some state lawmakers say money for I-73 is better spent on reliving congestion for residents instead of helping tourists.
“If we seize this moment by thinking big, being bold, and making transformative investments, I believe we can change South Carolina’s future for the better,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “I can think of nothing more transformative than the state committing the first $300 million to kickstart this critical project. It is my hope that this commitment will serve as a catalyst for our local government partners to finalize their investment plans and will strengthen the position of our congressional delegation as they work to secure federal funding, so that we can finally make I-73 a reality.”
A proposed I-73 section that would be near Myrtle Beach has been talked about for almost two decades, but it’s been mired in delays. A section of I-73 already exists in North Carolina.
McMaster has also proposed using a portion of American Rescue Act funds and some of the Savannah River Site settlement money to widen Interstate 26 from Columbia to Charleston.