Economic realities still support I-73 construction
The necessity of compromise is apparent in planning and constructing roadways, especially where conservation issues are in play, which is typical. In the case of Interstate 73, the long-sought connection to the nation’s network of highways, one hurdle may be cleared with the S.C. Department of Transportation plan to purchase and preserve Gunter’s Island in western Horry County. The area would be turned over to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources and preserved, mitigating the loss of 340 acres of wetlands by the construction of I-73.
Mike Wooten of Murrells Inlet, now chairman of the S.C. Department of Transportation Commission, notes that funds for the purchase will come from federal grants and earmarks that have accumulated to $50 million. No money for I-73 is from the SCDOT budget. He credits U.S. Rep. Tom Rice with adding money for I-73 to federal highway spending plans. Financing to maintain and repair S.C. highways is a major issue in the General Assembly. Historic flooding in October damaged structures in some areas.
Gunter’s Island is a conservation treasure. The property, 6,859 acres along ten miles of the Little Pee Dee River, includes loblolly and longleaf pine, a hardwood swamp and upland hardwoods. The tract adjoins Heritage Trust lands and is home to black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, quail, dove, and waterfowl. Wooten describes the property as pristine. “The agencies realize preserving that, instead of allowing it to be developed at some later date, has a very, very high ecologic value.” The contract for the property is in negotiation and the DOT will not close on the purchase until it has the permit for I-73, Wooten says.
The forces opposing I-73 include the Coastal Conservation League. Nancy Cave, north coast director, says “There are alternatives [to the highway] that are less expensive and meet the purpose and need. A great piece of property that is worth saving like Gunter’s Island does not justify the project.”
Another proposed road some conservationists do not like is the extension of International Drive in the Carolina Forest area. Here the issues include the number of under-the-road crossings for wildlife and whether the long-planned extension should be four lanes, not two. Tens of thousands of people need International Drive. They are justified in expecting the Coastal Conservation League and Horry County to be able to come together so the road can be finished. A trial before an administrative law judge is scheduled Feb. 16.
One of the so-called alternatives to I-73 is upgrading U.S. 501, S.C. 38 and other connecting roads from I-95. That perhaps is feasible in some sections between Myrtle Beach and I-95; however, it cannot be economical from Myrtle Beach through Conway – a busy, crowded highway with scores of intersections. Interstate highways do not have crossing roads at the same grade.
The idea of Interstate 73 stretching to Myrtle Beach came in 1990, when the Greater Bluefield (West Virginia) Chamber of Commerce expanded its push – under way since 1978 – to improve U.S. 52 and foster economic growth. In the 1990s a corridor association was formed; a rally was held in Myrtle Beach 22 years ago. The National I-73/74 Corridor Association was reformed in 2007 (it had been disbanded in 1999) and in 2010 Interstate 75 was adopted. In Michigan and Ohio, the plan is to co-sign I-73 to the existing I-75.
In North Carolina and in West Virginia, several miles of I-73/I-74 are constructed, so it’s misleading to suggest I-73 will only reach to I-95. The economic realities for a better future for Horry County continue to support construction of I-73.
This story was originally published January 25, 2016 at 9:32 AM with the headline "Economic realities still support I-73 construction."