"Looking at the proposed corridors and where, at least, they intend for it to end up, lets me know they are serious about doing it," said Danny Riley of Mullins.
Riley was one of many who came to Dillon High School for the I-73 public information meeting sponsored by the S.C. Department of Transportation.
Two possible corridors, with seven possible combinations that would contain the I-73 route, were unveiled at the meeting.
The corridors presented are bounded on the west by the Chesterfield County line's east border and on the east by the coast.
"One of the (possible) routes would come through the Mallory area of Dillon County, and I have some farm land out there. And it would probably impact that land," said Clayton Parham of Dillon.
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Parham said even though he got to see a possible corridor, it is still too early to know the final route of the interstate that would stretch from Myrtle Beach to Michigan.
Regardless of where I-73 plans are now, Irene Dais of Marion said she is encouraged about the progress of the planning for the interstate. Dais said she also attended an I-73 meeting in Mullins in September.
"I have followed this closely, and I'm optimistic that (I-73 construction) will happen," she said.
Dais said she is hoping the interstate will help Marion County lower its 18 percent unemployment rate, which often is highest in the state.
"I'm particularly interested in job creation and economic impact," she said.
Rep. Jackie Hayes, D-Hamer, also said economic development is a top concern with regard to I-73.
"We will be able to attract more industry with two major interstates in the county," he said. Interstate 95 already runs through Dillon County.
Hayes said the construction of I-73, which would not be complete until 2009, is a likely source for economic development.
"You have to have services for those who build the roads," he said. "They have to have places to sleep. You have to have places to feed them."
Riley said he also is interested in the economic impact of I-73.
"We want to attract customers to our art gallery we're opening in April," he said, "but we own 25 acres of land between Mullins and Marion and we're concerned about the impact it could have."
Riley said noise and crowding are things related to I-73 that could have a negative effect on his property.
Comment cards and a voice message system were available at Tuesday's meeting to record public input.
"Every single comment is being typed up and put into the computer so that we can look at every one of them," I-73 spokeswoman Deborah Harwell said. "Those comments are taken into consideration when examining the corridors."
Interstate 73 planners are conducting an Economic Impact Study and expect I-73 will enter South Carolina at the S.C. 38 corridor in Marlboro County.
Planners also are awaiting approval on the federal Transportation Bill, which is expected in May. Let us know what you think of this story | Send us a letter to the editor