BEAUFORT--The State Ports Authority cannot help pay to widen U.S. Highway 17 through Colleton County, according to a letter from the agency's chief executive.

The state plans to widen a 22-mile section of the road where 33 people have died since 1997. The cost is expected to be as much as $200 million.

Local and state officials have suggested the authority help pay the cost because trucks to and from the port use the highway.

However, Bernard Groseclose, writing to state Rep. Catherine Ceips, R-Beaufort, noted studies have determined port traffic comprises less than a third of the truck traffic on the highway.

He said the authority recognizes the safety issues "and fully supports efforts to realize timely and effective solutions."

Groseclose said support cannot include a financial contribu-tion, noting bond restrictions on revenue used for non-port facilities.

He also noted that the agency has other capital improvement needs.

The authority provided $45 million for the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. The bridge is considered a port-related facility because it spans the shipping channel, said authority spokesman Byron Miller.