A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

to request the Department of Transportation name the portion of Interstate Highway 73 also known as "future 73" that will serve Dillon, Horry, Marion, and Marlboro Counties, the state of south carolina, and the united states of america "President Donald J. Trump Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs along this highway containing these words.

 

Whereas, the Interstate Highway 73/74/75 Corridor spans six states from Michigan to South Carolina, linking the Midwest to the Southeast with a modern, high-capacity highway system; and

 

Whereas, designed to improve regional mobility and national trade, the route connects major interstates, ports, and rail networks while providing safer, faster travel for millions of residents and visitors. This corridor is more than a road, it is a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and stronger communities across the Eastern United States; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina segment of Interstate Highway 73 is especially significant, providing a direct link to Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand region-one of the State's most important economic and tourism hubs. Horry County is the state's largest county without interstate access. The construction of Interstate Highway 73 would reshape transportation in Horry County, have an estimated financial impact of $3.6 billion, and sustain some 20,528 jobs by 2040. On average, Interstate Highway 73 would provide motorist a thirty-three-percent time savings which would result in cost savings that could reach $172 million in 2040; and

 

Whereas, once completed, Interstate Highway 73 will improve mobility, strengthen hurricane evacuation capacity, and support long-term growth for both local residents and millions of annual visitors to our State. This direct route from Interstate Highway 95 would boost regional volume by some 6.8 percent resulting in an estimated $548.4 million, and supporting over fourteen thousand jobs in 2040; and

 

Whereas, the corridor would directly serve Dillon, Horry, Marion, and Marlboro counties, connecting inland communities to coastal destinations and creating stronger economic opportunities across northeastern South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, Interstate Highway 73 is included on the State Transportation Improvement Program list and has received local, state, and federal funding. In 2005, Interstate Highway 73 was named a Project of National and Regional Significance by the United States Congress. Because the Myrtle Beach area carries great economic importance for the entire State, leaders in nearly every branch of government recognize that investment in this infrastructure is essential; and

 

Whereas, during his first administration and continuing into his second administration, President Donald J. Trump, with his renowned business savvy and financial acumen, has championed this project. Interstate Highway 73 has been talked about for decades, but it took the vision and fortitude of the president to turn talk into action when his administration issued a federal permit for construction in June 2017 of his first administration. His staunch support has been essential as the State and nation move toward the completion of this important project; and

 

Whereas, several organizations sued the Trump administration in federal court over the permit. However, the State of South Carolina and the administration prevailed, paving the way for progress for South Carolinians and all Americans, making this road truly shovel ready; and

 

Whereas, it would be fitting and proper to recognize President Trump's commitment to making the South Carolina portion of Interstate Highway 73 a reality by naming this segment of highway in his honor. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, request the Department of Transportation name the portion of Interstate Highway 73 also known as "Future 73" that will serve Dillon, Horry, Marion and Marlboro Counties, the State of South Carolina, and the United States of America "President Donald J. Trump Highway" and erect appropriate markers or signs along this highway containing these words.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Transportation.

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