McMaster stands by Interstate 73, despite keeping funds for project out of new budget
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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday reiterated his support for a completed Interstate 73 through Horry County, despite not recommending any money for the project in his proposed budget.
“I think it’s important it happens,” he told News13 during a stop in Myrtle Beach. “I’ve been in favor of that. This area is growing and we need to be able to get people in and out, and do so safely.”
McMaster has been a proponent of the interstate’s expansion throughout his administration. In 2021, he first proposed a $300 million investment to be funded through COVID-era federal aid. The same suggested allocation was included in his 2023-24 executive budget proposal.
“This new interstate will connect supply chains to efficiently move goods and services across our state and infrastructure that connects our people to jobs, healthcare and education,” McMaster wrote in his Jan. 6, 2023 budget plan.
A finished I-73 is also estimated to create 29,000 jobs and cut evacuation times by up to 15 hours.
It would be about $300 million to built out the first six miles to U.S. Highway 501 with an I-95 interchange.
McMaster left I-73 out of his recommended spending plan for next year as long-term local and federal financial support has dwindled.
Horry County leaders in 2021 rejected a proposal to put up $4.2 million a year for 30 years or $126 million in all toward the construction of I-73 using hospitality fee revenues, saying at the time there wasn’t a clear fiscal path forward.
Marion County, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach leaders have all supported resolutions pledging local money for an expanded I-73.
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And up to half of the cost could be covered through RIDE IV revenues should voters approve the referendum in November — and only if construction contracts are finalized between state and federal agencies.
“That’ll prevent us from having a bridge-to-nowhere situation,” Horry County assistant administrator David Gilreath said at a March 20 RIDE IV meeting. “Whenever (South Carolina) DOT is ready, the local match of half is ready to be spent.”
McMaster said on Tuesday the region’s explosive growth makes a robust I-73 more vital with every passing year.
“Myrtle Beach is growing. The whole county is growing. We’re just going up, up, up and you have to have the infrastructure to support that.”
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