(AP) -- South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has vetoed a bill intended to coordinate efforts to bring prosperity to poor, rural communities along Interstate 95.
Haley says she vetoed the bill this week because it unnecessarily creates a new state agency that duplicates what the state commerce and education departments already do.
The bill would create a 19-member regional council focused on improving the economy and education opportunities along the corridor that runs from Jasper County to Dillon County. Its members would not be paid.
Haley says she encourages local governments and chambers of commerce to work together, but the bill grows state bureaucracy.
Senate Minority Leader John Land says he's disappointed Haley would veto a way for the region to help itself by applying for and dispensing grants and private donations.
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