(AP) -- Today, the Northeastern Strategic Alliance, NESA, will host a gubernatorial forum called "Making I-73 a Reality."

Both Republican state Representative Nikki Haley, and Democrat state Senator Vincent Sheheen have been invited, but only one of the candidates will be there.

Haley's Communications Director, Rob Godfrey, tells NewsChannel 15 that the Republican candidate won't be able to attend because of a long standing prior commitment. However Sen. Sheheen's campaign says he will attend the forum.

The proposed Interstate 73 project would run from Michigan to Myrtle Beach, while crossing through several South Carolina counties, including in the Pee Dee.

Coastal Carolina University estimates the project has the potential to create around 40,000 jobs.

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