Panel approves grant for I-73 connector

The Legislature's Joint Bond Committee approved a $40 million grant to start work on an extension of the Carolina Bays Parkway that would eventually connect to the proposed I-73.

The state Infrastructure Bank approved the bond issue last month but needed the committee's approval to proceed.

For Horry County to get the grant money, voters must approve a 1 percent sales tax, which is expected to be on November's ballot.

The grant was approved as part of the bank's proposal to issue $269 million in bonds to fund a variety of projects, including renovations to Coastal Carolina University's student center and expansion plans at Horry-Georgetown Technical College.