No significant adverse impact -- that is the finding of the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) on the Clyburn Connector, so named - much to my surprise and honor - by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) at its December 18, 1998 meeting. 

The EIS is the most comprehensive look yet at the proposed bridge joining Lone Star and Rimini on either side of Lake Marion.  The study indicates no endangered wildlife will be impacted and only minimal wetlands, less than 6 acres on one route and less than 3 in the other, will be disturbed.  That acreage, however, represents small, isolated depressions where water collects, not wetlands associated with the swamp, which will be spanned from the limits of the 100-year floodplain on either side. 

My passion for this project has been widely reported in the media.  There are many reasons for that passion.  This connector will make health facilities, educational institutions, and economic opportunities more accessible to rural areas of Sumter, Clarendon, Orangeburg and Calhoun counties.  It will establish a commerce corridor through those counties, create an alternative route to Interstate 95, and fulfill a 50-year old promise made by the State of South Carolina to residents of the region.

Another thing that fuels my passion for this project is safety.  More and more travelers are looking for safer alternatives to the Interstate Highways.  Some are leery of 70-mile per hour speed limits.  Others are fearful of sharing their commutes with "double-wides" and triple-unit, tractor-trailer trucks.  Still others simply prefer the countryside and scenic routes.  This connector will spell relief for all of them. 

There is another safety component of the Clyburn Connector that was not within our realm of consideration prior to September 11^th.  The horrific events of that date have taught Americans that we must be prepared for the unthinkable.  This bridge would create a safe and convenient alternative for I-95 traffic in the event some catastrophic occurrence were to threaten travel and the orderly flow of commerce and services along the I-95 corridor.

In addition the EIS reveals what may be a surprise for those unfamiliar with the project.  S.C. Highway Sixth District Commissioner "Moot" Truluck recently wrote a newspaper column on the hazards of secondary roads.  He stated, "there is no price tag on human life.we must do everything possible to design and build all roads safely."  The plans for this bridge do just that.  Existing intersections will be reconfigured to complement these features.  Both alternatives are designed with 10-foot paved shoulders to provide a pull-off area for disabled vehicles and space for pedestrians and bicyclists.  According to Mr. Truluck, this safety feature improves fatality rates by 20%.  And according to SCDOT pedestrian and bicycle staff the Connector will provide "a much-needed alternative" route for the Carolina Connector Bicycle Trail (1-14). 

Finally many South Carolinians are aware of my passion for historic preservation and restoration.  I consider the South Carolina Heritage Corridor to be one of my proudest legislative accomplishments.  This bridge would connect the Heritage Corridor with the developing Palmetto Trail. 

In addition to satisfying legitimate environmental concerns, I believe the EIS adequately addresses another argument being used by some who oppose the project - its cost.  The projected cost for the longer of the two routes is $83 million, much less than the $150 million tossed around by bridge opponents.  But whatever the price tag, I believe it will be money well spent for the safety, security and stability of those who live, travel and recreate in the region.  As Mr. Truluck stated, there is no price tag on human life.

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