Grand Strand business and political leaders finished a two day fly-in rally in Washington D.C. Thursday.
The leaders' mission was to convince federal lawmakers to fund I-73, a proposed interstate that would end in Myrtle Beach with origins in Michigan.
In particular, Grand Strand leaders want the portion that would stretch from I-95 to Myrtle Beach completed.
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce projects that would cost around $750 million.
Horry County Council Chairman Tom Rice believes the stretch leading to the beach isn't too far off, despite a letter from an Environmental Protection Agency regional director recommending denying a permit for that part of the road due to wetland concerns.
Rice says, "We are absolutely closer because of what happened with the interchange. And yes, we've been somewhat side tracked. The letter cannot be ignored. We have to face it and deal with it. I think the facts are on our side."
Thursday morning, Dr. Christine Chmura, an economist hired by theNorth Eastern Strategic Allianceaddressed the I-73/74/75 Association.
She says critics of spending any money right now in light of the nation's deficit concerns should be assured the project will pay for itself relatively quickly.
According to Chmura, "This money would be well spent. It would take about four years to accrue back your costs. And that's a small time frame for such a large project with such a big economic impact."
Chamber President Brad Dean says taking a delegation from the Grand Strand to Washington to meet with leaders and other representatives works.
