Who We Are
Formed in late 2003, the South Carolina I-73 Association is a nonprofit membership organization (tax ID number 54-2139709) focused on working to secure the construction of a vital corridor for the eastern United States – I-73.

Officers of the association's board of directors consist of Chairman Alan Clemmons, S.C. Representative; Vice Chairman Hubert Meggs, Marlboro County Economic Development Partnership incoming chairman; Treasurer Brad Dean, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO; and Secretary Linda Hayes of Dillon County.

Our Case
Today, the interstate system is the nation's safest section of highways, provides people with the mobility they need to access communities, jobs, schools, and recreation, and is the most critical transportation element of the nation's economy, according to The Road Information Program (TRIP), a nonprofit organization that promotes positive transportation policies. For communities along these routes, the benefits of interstate access to the local economy are enormous. Although it is the backbone of our nation's economy, the interstate highway system is quickly becoming overwhelmed and is in danger of losing the advantages for which it was developed. Consider these facts from the Federal Highway Administration:

• Travel on the interstate system increased by 38 percent from 1991 to 2001, seven times the rate at which additional capacity was added.

• By 2020, vehicle traffic is expected to increase 42 percent and large commercial truck travel by 54 percent.

While enhancements are imperative to the nation's interstate system, the need for a north/south interstate connection for northeastern South Carolina is especially urgent. Long underserved by infrastructure development, this region will see far-reaching benefits from I-73 in both urban and rural areas, including business development along the corridor, increased mobility for residents, improved access to resorts for visitors, and an additional means of emergency evacuation.

The Work Ahead
The construction of any interstate is a massive undertaking, made even more challenging during tough economic times. Building I-73 will require substantial commitments from the state governments through which the highway will run: Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, and the Carolinas. The lion's share of funding, however, must come from the federal level. Thus, the goal of the South Carolina I-73 Association is to coordinate efforts to make this project a top priority in Washington.

It is time to move I-73 into reality.