I-73 supporters say it looks like money for the interstate will be included in the president's economic stimulus plan.
The Northeast Strategic Alliance voted Friday to hire a couple of Washington lobbyists to help push for the funding.
The organization will use a firm headed by former Congressmen John Napier and Don Fowler.
NESA officials say the current version of the stimulus includes 1.5 billion dollars for highways of national significance.
I-73 is the only project with that designation in South Carolina.
