While much has happened in the challenge to move Interstate 73 from a proposed highway to actual pavement, much is left to do. And a lot could happen toward that end in 2005.

Major news in 2005 regarding the interstate from Myrtle Beach to Michigan will be the ongoing environmental impact study in South Carolina.

So far, $6.5 million - $1 million in state funds, the rest in federal funds - has been approved to complete an initial environmental document.

The study is scheduled to be completed in the fourth-quarter of 2006, Rep. Alan Clemmons, R-Myrtle Beach, said. Clemmons is the chairman of the South Carolina I-73 Association.

The area being studied for environmental impact of I-73 has the interstate running 90 miles into South Carolina. The possible route covers four counties: Marlboro, Dillon, Marion and Horry. It includes 2,200 square miles from I-95 northwest to the state line and southeast of I-95 to the Myrtle Beach area.

Clemmons said construction could begin upon completion and documentation of the environmental impact study.

With a preliminary cost estimate for I-73 at $1.7 billion, funding is a major issue. As far as what could happen in 2005, passage of the federal Transportation Reauthorization Bill is expected to be a positive step forward.

Clemmons said the estimated $300 billion bill, which includes anywhere from $10 million to $30 million for the South Carolina portion of I-73, is waiting for the signature of President George W. Bush before funds can be administered. The bill would also designate I-73 as a highway of national significance. That designation would would help ensure a funding source for the interstate.

Many attempts in 2004 to reach agreement on the six-year bill were unsuccessful. But Clemmons said he hopes that changes. “With the election year behind us, we’re hopeful the bill will be passed soon,” he said.

If and when the transportation bill passes, money from it would be allocated to finish funding of the I-73 environmental impact study. There also would be funding to acquire rights-of-way after a path for the interstate is chosen.

“I see 2005 as a year where we continue to get funding,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, referring to the money for I-73 in the transportation bill. “We will continue to get money for the environmental impact study and get money for the rights of way.”

Another issue related to the funding of I-73 construction could be debated in 2005. At a December meeting in Myrtle Beach between representatives from the S.C. Transportation Infrastructure Bank and the S.C. Department of Transportation, Rep. Henry Brown, R-S.C., said he would like to get the I-73 project moved to No. 2, from No. 5, on the federal highway-funding priority list.

Brown said one way to help move I-73 up on the list would be to get 10 percent of the cost of I-73 - $170 million - set aside by the state infrastructure bank.

“It is always more attractive when you show local support for a project,” he said.

Although infrastructure bank officials said setting aside the 10 percent would be considered, the money to do that doesn’t exist and getting it won’t be easy.

“The infrastructure bank has the authority to fund it, but there is no steady, readily available way to fund it,” Clemmons said. Clemmons said a funding source for I-73 and other future infrastructure expenditures needs to created by the state General Assembly. He mentioned allocating gasoline tax revenues to the infrastructure bank or a tax increase, assessed to the price of gasoline, as potential ways to increase funding.

Clemmons also said tolls are a possibility to fund I-73 construction.

Graham agreed.

“Tolling for construction is something to consider,” Graham said, adding that there will need to be a source of local funding for I-73 because the federal government will not pay for the whole project.

In addition to addressing funding issues, meetings will continue in 2005.

In 2004, I-73 project managers from the SCDOT and other officials met with the public in South Carolina counties that would be affected by the interstate to get input.

State officials from South Carolina and North Carolina plan to meet for a transportation summit Feb. 10-11 in Myrtle Beach to discuss Interstate 73 plans, including as its proposed route, joint studies at the border and funding.

Regardless of the challenges facing I-73 planners in 2005, the process will continue. As it does, the vision for the highway to the beach will become clearer.

“During 2005 the economic impact study will constantly narrow the process, and the path will thin out,” Clemmons said. “By the end of 2005 we will have a much better idea of where it will be.”

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