Horry County Approves $6 Billion Road Improvement Plan Including I-73 Funding

Horry County, S.C. – A monumental advancement has occurred as the Horry County Council recently passed a second vote of approval for the RIDE IV program to be included in the November ballot. The RIDE IV program, a grand scheme encompassing over two dozen road enhancement projects, is estimated at a cost of nearly $6 billion. The program is forecasted to span a duration of 25 years to reach completion, but it carries with it the promise of heightened infrastructural advancement for the area.

Debate over I-73

Among the ambitious projects grouped under the program, one has sparked heated debates within the community, the Interstate Connector I-73. Swathed in controversy and mixed opinions, the I-73 project, valued at $450 million, proposes to construct an interstate highway that stretches from Highway 22 to the Marion County line. Advocates for the project argue that the interstate is crucial for attracting big businesses, however oppositions voice concerns over its environmental impact and other local road development priorities.

Economic Impact of I-73

Supporters of I-73 note that Horry County is frequently overlooked due to a lack of land and interstate access. As per information from the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation, big industries observe a checklist when considering locations, one noteworthy item being the presence of an interstate connection within 10 miles. Hence, many stand behind the I-73 project as a linchpin in drawing more commercial interest to the county.

Councilman Dennis DiSabato is among the advocates, stating that the interstate connector is less about tourism influx and more about facilitating local commutes. According to DiSabato, the interstate aims to “transform the way people who live in this community get from one side of the county to the other.”

Environmental Concerns and Local Priorities

However, critics of the I-73 interstate project raise concerns about the environmental impact of its construction and the subsequent developments that follow. Critics argue that “The manufacturing that pollutes the land and water that we rely on…That’s not responsible”. They also express reservations over the prioritization of the interstate when local roads require urgent improvement.

Hopes for the Future

The approval process for the RIDE IV project is not complete. It will undergo a final reading before landing on the November ballot for the Horry County residents to vote. If approved, a penny tax will fund the projects.

While the state legislature has not earmarked any funds specifically for the I-73 project, county leaders remain hopeful that its approval on the referendum will compel the state to act.

The project, consequently, will set a new course for driving Horry County’s infrastructure development, impacting its economy, environment, and lifestyle. The completion of the RIDE IV program will undeniably mark a milestone in the area’s growth towards a promising future.

Source: HERE News Network