I-73 funding effort needs everyone's support

Last month a contingent of more than 100 leaders from South Carolina traveled to our nation's capital to persuade congressional leaders to fund Interstate 73, a much needed investment in our economic future.

Most attendees were from Horry, Marion, Dillon and Marlboro counties, which make up the S.C. I-73 corridor. This trip, dubbed the "Washington Road Rally," coincided with meetings of the national I-73/I-74 Corridor Association.

We met with congressional leaders from several states, including nearly every member of the S.C. congressional delegation. We also met with a number of congressional staff members, some of whom will eventually help write the legislation, and they delivered invaluable guidance that will help us secure the needed funding.

This event was truly a historic occasion. Never before have so many South Carolinians banded together to march the halls of Congress for such a purpose. Our team was a broad-based group representing a variety of interests: state government, local government, federal government, media, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and other organizations and associations.

Most notable are the individual businesspeople who took time from their businesses and money from their pockets to be a part of this effort.

The energy and enthusiasm of our team was incredible, the focus was intense and the message was clear: We need I-73!

The Road Information Program, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that promotes positive transportation policies, notes that our interstate system is the nation's safest section of highways and provides us the mobility to access communities, jobs, schools and recreation. And, as one congressman informed us, "For every billion dollars spent on infrastructure, there is a return of $46.1 billion in commerce, and about 48,000 jobs are created."

The benefits of I-73 are significant and far-reaching. It will create jobs, many of them high-paying jobs. With the average unemployment rate in Marion, Dillon and Marlboro counties approaching 15 percent last year, we desperately need new jobs. It will increase tourism, our state's No. 1 industry - we are the only major vacation destination without interstate access. It will bring economic development and diversification, attracting new industry that require interstate access. And it could save lives in the event of a hurricane evacuation.

Now that the case for I-73 has been made, what is next? Congress is debating the reauthorization of the transportation bill, which typically happens every six years. President Bush has made it clear that he prefers to spend much less than either the House or Senate propose to spend. Regardless of the actual amount approved, we must make certain that I-73 is funded in the next reauthorization, which could occur very soon.

We must also secure state funding. Though the S.C. DOT has established I-73 as a top priority, state funding is yet another challenge. We must look for innovative financing methods and leave no stone unturned. Private-public partnerships should be explored. User fees and increased gas taxes must be considered. Though we deserve this interstate on merit alone, roads are not built with good intentions and empty promises - it takes money.

You and I, as individual citizens, can play an essential role in this endeavor. Contact your state and congressional representatives to voice your support for I-73. Ask candidates running for state and federal office whether they support efforts to fund I-73. Finally, consider becoming an active member of the S.C. I-73 Association. For information, call 626-7444 or visit www.I-73SC.com.

An interstate for our area is much needed and long overdue, but it won't arrive without grass-roots support. The time is now to invest in South Carolina and conduct a little bit of nation-building right here at home. Together, we will make I-73 a reality.