Op-Ed: The Value of I-73 to Myrtle Beach

A recent editorial authored by the former director of the Coastal Conservation League questioned the merit of planned investment in our state’s infrastructure and, specifically, the value of Interstate 73.

The author asked, simply, “where is the outrage?” Apparently, the positive outpouring of support during the recent public comment period was a surprise to those who oppose I-73.  Perhaps this strong show of support is a timely indicator of just how important I-73 is for South Carolina. 

I-73 is an unfinished priority for the U.S. Congress. Named “High Priority Corridor #5” in federal legislation, it received two rare distinctions in recent years: In 2005, the U.S. Congress named the South Carolina portion of I-73 a “project of national and regional significance;” and, in 2009, the USDOT awarded I-73 a $10 million T.I.G.E.R. grant, one of only 51 projects (out of 1400 applicants) to receive this grant.

Given our nation’s eroding economic environment and the need for greater fiscal responsibility, there is no  denying that the federal appropriation process needs improving. While pork-barrel spending and a lack of transparency have engendered frequent abuse of the earmark process, there is good reason why the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the South Carolina General Assembly and the United States Congress have collectively invested more than $100 million into I-73:  it will help to grow our economy and create 29,000 jobs in our state.  Each year, our interstate system carries more than 145 million individuals and more than $300 Million worth of products.  Imagine where our state would be if there were no I-95, I-26, I-20 or I-85.

Unemployment in South Carolina is higher than the national average, and in the Pee Dee region the unemployment rate is nearly twice as high. I-73 will create much-needed jobs for our state at a time when those jobs are needed.  

It’s also worth noting that the Myrtle Beach area has welcomed as many as 14 million visitors in one single year, and more than 90% of those visitors drive to the popular destination.

Surveys released by the Myrtle Beach Area CVB reveal that more than 75 percent of visitors to the area would gladly use I-73 and 2/3 are willing to pay a toll to do so. The Myrtle Beach area is the nation’s busiest vacation destination without interstate access, and the most common reason for visitors not returning to the Grand Strand is traffic and congestion. As the recent economic analysis by Chmura Analytics & Economics showed, I-73 will create jobs and spur tourism revenue growth. 

It is true that South Carolina does not have the needed funds for I-73. Even the biggest supporters of I-73 acknowledge this fact. But the cost to complete the southern leg of I-73 is far less than the figures the opponents use. In fact, the Chmura economic analysis suggests I-73 will pay for itself in a few years. 

The I-73 opponent asked “where is the outrage?” I-73 will create jobs, improve our economy, grow tourism and save lives. Are these not worthy goals? Maybe the “outrage” is quieted by the excitement of those who support I-73. Opponents have yet to show a reasonable alternative plan to accomplish the same goals.

  

Alan Clemmons

SC House of Representatives, District 107 

National I-73/74/75 Corridor Association, Chairman