News and Press Releases for February 2006

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02/06/2006

Gov. Sanford Signs I-73 Bill

Bill Allowing Tolling on Interstate Aimed at Speeding Up Construction

Columbia, S.C. - Gov. Mark Sanford traveled to Myrtle Beach today to sign H.4422, which will allow tolling on I-73 as a means of financing construction of the road. Originally authorized in 1991, I-73 would run from Michigan to Myrtle Beach, giving visitors from across the country and here in South Carolina easier access to the Grand Strand.

Originally slated to terminate in Charleston, Gov. Sanford was responsible for an amendment while in Congress that changed the route of I-73 to what it is today. The governor said I-73 was important to the region's continued growth, and that tolls could be a significant step toward financing South Carolina's estimated $2 billion share of the construction costs.

"More than 13 million people visit the Grand Strand every year, and those visitors account for about 40 percent of our state's revenue from tourism," Gov. Sanford said. "Given the fact that four out of five people coming to the Grand Strand are coming by road, putting I-73 in place as quickly as possible would pay enormous dividends for not only this region but for our state as a whole. Add to that the fact that from a safety standpoint this Interstate would be a real asset in moving people out of the area quickly for a hurricane evacuation, and the benefits of this project become even clearer."

Brad Dean, president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, praised the signing of the bill as a step forward for Myrtle Beach's tourism industry.

"Adding tolls to Interstate 73 is a crucial step in making this project a reality," Dean said. "The signing of this bill is a huge victory for the residents of South Carolina, for millions of future visitors, and for our state's number one industry."