Myrtle Beach, SC, January 21, 2026
The Interstate 73 project in Myrtle Beach, SC, is in the spotlight after a legislative proposal to name its completed section after President Trump. This pivotal infrastructure aims to boost economic growth in Horry County by improving connectivity and safety for residents and tourists alike, despite facing funding and environmental challenges.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What is the recent legislative proposal concerning Interstate 73 (I-73) in South Carolina?
A recent bill introduced by State Representative Heather Ammons Crawford proposes naming the completed South Carolina portion of Interstate 73 the “President Donald J. Trump Highway.” This initiative aims to acknowledge national leadership while advancing essential regional infrastructure.
What is the primary goal of the I-73 project for the Grand Strand region?
Envisioned as a vital transportation artery, I-73 is designed to directly link I-95 to Horry County and Myrtle Beach, streamlining travel into the tourism hub. It aims to reduce congestion, improve hurricane evacuation routes, and foster regional economic growth.
What economic benefits are expected from the completion of I-73?
Projections indicate the project will generate thousands of jobs during construction and through long-term growth in tourism and service sectors, alongside increased tax revenues. The corridor is also expected to attract new service businesses and potential distribution centers, enhancing overall travel efficiency.
What are the main obstacles to completing the I-73 project?
Significant challenges include securing nearly $2 billion in funding for the South Carolina portion, as major construction phases lack firm dates and adequate state/federal allocations. Environmental concerns regarding potential impacts on wetlands and wildlife habitats, along with debates over job quality, also persist.
What is the current status of the I-73 project’s development?
Phase 1, extending from I-95 to US 501, is considered construction-ready with right-of-way acquisitions largely complete. Horry County continues to allocate local funds for key infrastructure improvements, reflecting ongoing commitment despite broader funding gaps.
Myrtle Beach
The spirit of enterprise and community foresight often converge on projects designed to bolster local prosperity. In Myrtle Beach, SC, business leaders and residents frequently discuss the infrastructure crucial for continued economic growth and accessibility. A recent legislative proposal in the South Carolina General Assembly has brought one such pivotal project, Interstate 73 (I-73), into a new spotlight, linking its future development with a significant national figure.
This initiative underscores a broader conversation about how regional development, driven by strategic infrastructure investments and legislative action, can pave the way for a more connected and prosperous future for Horry County economy. It also highlights the thoughtful balance required between honoring public service and ensuring practical benefits for South Carolina entrepreneurs and citizens alike.
The Vision for I-73: Connecting the Grand Strand
Interstate 73 is envisioned as a vital transportation artery, designed to directly link I-95 to Horry County and Myrtle Beach, streamlining travel into what is recognized as South Carolina’s most iconic tourism hub. The concept for this interstate began taking shape in the 1980s, when the growth of Myrtle Beach began to outpace its existing transportation infrastructure. It was officially designated a high-priority corridor by the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act in 1991, aiming to establish a north-south connection from Charleston, South Carolina, to Detroit, Michigan.
Proponents highlight numerous potential benefits for the region. These include reduced congestion on US 501, particularly during peak tourism months, and the creation of safer, faster routes inland, which would be crucial during hurricane evacuations. Furthermore, I-73 is anticipated to improve access to jobs, schools, and healthcare services across county lines, fostering a more integrated regional economy and supporting Myrtle Beach small business vitality.
A Legislative Proposal: Honoring a President
State Representative Heather Ammons Crawford (R-68), who represents the Socastee area in the South Carolina General Assembly, recently introduced legislation that has garnered significant attention. On Tuesday, a bill was filed proposing to name the completed South Carolina portion of Interstate 73 the “President Donald J. Trump Highway”. The proposal has received support from eight House members representing the Grand Strand area. This initiative reflects a desire to acknowledge national leadership while simultaneously moving forward with an infrastructure project deemed essential for regional progress.
The Economic Promise and Ongoing Development of I-73
Economic analyses consistently point to the transformative power of robust highway networks for regional economies. Such infrastructure improvements enhance travel efficiency, which can lead to cost savings and increased productivity for businesses. Moreover, interstate corridors often attract new service businesses, such as hotels, gas stations, retail stores, and restaurants, clustering around interchanges and creating jobs. The I-73 corridor is also seen as a potential magnet for strategic economic development, including distribution centers, particularly in the more rural parts of the region.
Studies have projected that the construction of I-73 could generate thousands of jobs, both in the immediate construction phase and through long-term growth in the tourism and service sectors. These developments are expected to result in substantial annual tax revenues for both the State-level government and local municipalities. Currently, significant progress has been made on the project’s initial phases. Phase 1, which extends from I-95 to US 501, is considered construction-ready, with right-of-way acquisitions largely complete. Horry County continues to demonstrate its commitment by allocating local funds for key infrastructure improvements through its RIDE IV program. Reflecting its perceived importance, the U.S. Congress designated I-73 as a Project of National and Regional Significance in 2005.
Navigating Challenges: Funding, Environment, and Diverse Perspectives
Despite the widespread support for the concept of I-73, the project faces considerable challenges. The estimated cost for completing I-73 in South Carolina is nearly $2 billion, and securing adequate funding remains a significant hurdle. Broader State-level and federal funding for major construction phases has proven elusive, and no firm construction dates have been set for many segments.
Environmental concerns have also been raised by various advocacy groups, such as the Coastal Conservation League, particularly regarding potential impacts on wetlands and wildlife habitats along the Little Pee Dee River. These groups have also presented alternative proposals, suggesting that upgrading existing roadways, such as SC 38/US 501 (referred to as the Grand Strand Expressway or GSX), could provide similar economic and transportation benefits at a significantly lower cost. Furthermore, some studies indicate that while I-73 would create jobs, a large proportion of these might be in the lower-paying tourism and service industries, and there is no guarantee that the highway would attract a significant number of high-paying industrial jobs. These different perspectives highlight the complex considerations involved in major infrastructure planning, balancing economic ambition with fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship.
Here’s a summary of key features related to the I-73 naming proposal and project:
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Proposed Name | President Donald J. Trump Highway | State-level |
| Proposing Lawmaker | State Rep. Heather Ammons Crawford (R-68) | State-level |
| Purpose of I-73 | Directly link I-95 to Horry County/Myrtle Beach, streamline travel, improve evacuation routes | State-level |
| Estimated Cost | Nearly $2 billion for South Carolina portion | State-level |
| Current Status | Phase 1 (I-95 to US 501) construction-ready, right-of-way acquisitions ongoing for other phases; major construction funding largely unindentified | State-level |
| Economic Benefits (Projected) | Job creation (construction, tourism, service), increased tax revenue, attraction of service businesses and potential distribution centers, improved travel efficiency | State-level, Nationwide (general interstate benefits) |
| Challenges | Funding gaps, environmental concerns (wetlands, wildlife), debate over job quality/diversification | State-level |
| National Significance | Designated a Project of National and Regional Significance by U.S. Congress (2005) | Nationwide |
A Path Forward for Grand Strand Progress
The discussion surrounding the proposed naming of I-73 underscores the critical role of infrastructure in shaping the future of the Grand Strand. It reflects a broad consensus on the need for improved connectivity to sustain Horry County economy, enhance public safety, and foster opportunities for South Carolina entrepreneurs. While the path to completing I-73 involves navigating complex funding mechanisms and addressing environmental considerations, the ongoing dialogue and legislative efforts demonstrate a commitment to advancing the region’s long-term prosperity.
As these developments unfold, continued community engagement will be vital. Supporting local businesses, advocating for responsible economic policies, and staying informed about projects like I-73 ensures that Myrtle Beach remains a vibrant and thriving hub for both residents and visitors alike. This foundational work in infrastructure, whether through new construction or strategic upgrades, is key to unlocking the full potential of our dynamic region.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
