GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) – The South Carolina Senate majority leader says he does not oppose plans to build Interstate 73 to connect Myrtle Beach with I-95.
But Sen. Harvey Peeler of Gaffney told The Greenville News that I-73 should fall in line behind needed repairs on existing interstate highways.
State highway commissioners last week again endorsed a $1.3 billion plan to build I-73 to connect I-95 with the Grand Strand, the heart of the state’s $18 billion tourist industry.
Peeler said there are several higher priorities, including I-85 in the Upstate, the junction of I-20 and I-26 just outside Columbia and the I-26 approach to Charleston.
The transportation commission has approved plans to buy an island in Horry County to use to offset damage to wetlands that would be damaged by building I-73.
