Myrtle Beach to host I-73/74 Association Meeting

This coming Thursday and Friday, Myrtle Beach will host the first meeting of the I-73/74 Corridor Association in nearly a decade. The meeting will consist of representatives from six states - South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Michigan.

The meeting is to re-establish the Association with drafting of bylaws, election of a new board, and the appointment of a new executive director. After that, the goal is to establish a Association meeting in Washington with representatives from all six states. The goal is to show support for the two highways by increasing awareness of the need.

Progress for the I-73/74 project varies in all states involved. However, two states, Michigan and Ohio, stopped planning for the highway in the late 1990s citing a lack of need, money, and interest in the routes. Ohio and Michigan sending a delegation to the Myrtle Beach - and later Washington - summit may be a positive impact for the other four states involved.

United States Senator Lindsay Graham (R- SC), a key supporter of the highway, said that having all six states working as a team for the route will be a key component in getting a steady stream of funding for construction of the two highways.

The I-73/74 Corridor Association was first created by Nelson Walker of Bluefield, WV in 1991. The association's work stalled in the 90s and last fall Walker handed over the reigns to Brad Dean who is the President of the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. Walker said the group needed new life when he transferred it to Dean.

Story:
City hosts I-73 group ---Myrtle Beach Sun News

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