The North Eastern Strategic Alliance, an economic development organization covering South Carolina's northeast region, recently met with state representatives in Washington to promote efforts to secure federal stimulus funding for a proposed Interstate 73 corridor.


The corridor would connect Myrtle Beach with Interstate 95 and create 10,000 construction jobs.

"I-73 is the largest economic development project in South Carolina history and has the ability to make traveling to some of our most visited tourist destinations safer and more efficient," said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). "This project will create new jobs and investment in some of the underserved, economically challenged areas of our state. I-73 is a game changer. For the future prosperity of our state, we must take I-73 from the drawing board to reality."

NESA also met with Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), and Reps. Henry Brown (R-S.C.), James Clyburn (D-S.C.), and John Spratt (R-S.C.).

The state applied to receive a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant for construction of the I-73 corridor. The meetings reiterated the request.

"Our organization will continue to steadfastly work to secure funding for the I-73 interchange until we've made this vital project come to fruition," said Jeff McKay, NESA executive director.