Politicians and business leaders from the Grand Strand are in our nation's capitol, trying to convince lawmakers there that Interstate 73 needs to be built.
Recently, the money to build an interchange off I-95 for the project became available. But Wednesday, the project is being called into question by the Environmental Protection Agency.
An EPA regional director has recommended not giving a permit to the I-73 project based on wetlands concerns.
Wednesday, the Grand Stranders visiting DC to talk about I-73 heard from State Rep. Alan Clemmons, Lt. Governor Ken Ard and South Carolina Department of Transportation Chairman Danny Isaac, who doesn't believe this will slow the project down very much.
"This an 11th hour overreach by unelected bureaucrats. I think this is just a tactic to stall the project. I don't think it's going to be a hurdle or obstacle we can't overcome. SCDOT has always been a steward of the environment. We see this as an opportunity to preserve pristine areas of the state. We just have to deal with the obstructionists, but we'll be fine, we'll get it done," Isaac said.
Wednesday night, Grand Strand leaders will make their case for I-73 to representatives and senators at a Capitol Hill reception.
That's closed to our cameras, but there will be a reception at the Newseum where reporters from around the country and the world will hear from Grand Strand businesses and leaders about why they should write articles based on the Grand Strand.
NewsChannel 15's Tim McGinnis is on assignment in Washington, DC reporting on the Grand Strand delegation's efforts towards I-73.
