Funding to bring I-73 to Grand Strand not included in McMaster’s executive budget

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WMBF) – There is a significant project missing from Gov. Henry McMaster’s executive budget that was released on Friday.

For the past two years, the governor had asked state lawmakers to set aside $300 million to help fund the completion of Interstate 73. It would expand the major interstate from I-95 to the Grand Strand and create an easier route for people headed to the beach.

Horry County I-73 update

But in the governor’s 2024 executive budget, the recommendation is nowhere to be found.

McMaster’s office explained that it wasn’t an oversight.

“During this year’s budget process, the Governor’s Office did not receive a request for I-73 to be included in the governor’s budget. Governor McMaster continues to support the expansion of I-73, but support among county and local leaders has dissipated. Until there is stronger support from local officials, he will not recommend funding,” said Brandon Charochak, a spokesman for the governor.

PAST I-73 COVERAGE:

Over the past couple of years, McMaster’s proposal would have the state come up with half of the $1.6 billion needed to complete the interstate, while local and federal governments would be responsible for the other half.

The cities of Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach have been advocates for the expansion of I-73. The two passed resolutions committing money to the project in 2021.

But Horry County Council rejected a plan in 2021 to help fund the massive project, stating they wanted to see if the federal government and other local municipalities would dedicate money to the completion of the interstate.

Over the past two years, the $300 million recommendation for the I-73 expansion failed to make it into the state budget passed by lawmakers.

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