Posted on Wed, Aug. 09, 2006

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No compromise yet over I-73's Dillon County route

Associated Press

FLORENCE, S.C. - Officials in Dillon County continue to ask for some concessions from state transportation officials because they aren't happy about the route Interstate 73 is proposed to take through the county.

The county's economic development board came out against the route the state Department of Transportation suggested, saying its segment of the highway would hurt the county because it would have no exits.

County officials instead want the route brought closer to the city of Dillon and an interchange built where I-73 crosses U.S. 301 - the main north-south route through Dillon County.

I-73, which will eventually link the state with Michigan, will run 90 miles across South Carolina, giving the 14 million tourists who visit the Myrtle Beach area each year their first direct interstate link to the Grand Strand.

Supporters of I-73 urged Dillon County to take back its objections, saying any delays could prevent the project from getting federal money.

County officials talked to the DOT and a regional planning alliance about a compromise last week, but said nothing was settled.

"I think whatever will be, will be," said Alvin Nobles, a member of the development board. "I just hate to see it not go between Latta and Dillon, because I think it would better serve our county if it did."

Nobles doubts I-73's route can be changed this late in the process, but wants some concessions from planners.

The manager of the I-73 project said the meetings with the county board went a long way toward improving communication between the two.

"We're trying to address their concerns and keep the project moving forward," state DOT I-73 Project Manager Mitchell Metts said.

Metts said transportation officials have received as many positive comments about the preferred route as they have negative comments, particularly from residents in Latta, where the Town Council voted unanimously to support the current route.

The DOT is currently reviewing thousands of public comments received after the route was announced, Metts said.

"We're still looking at some shifts in the alignment, based on the comments we've received," Metts said. "We'll be making some public announcements in the next couple of weeks."