DOT 22-08
Contact: Doug Hecox
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tel.: (202) 366-0660
South Carolina’s I-73 Reaches Major Milestone; Federal Officials Sign Record of
Decision Today for Northern Segment
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina can move forward with plans to build the
northern leg of I-73 now that federal officials have approved the environmental
review for the project, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters announced
today.
“With this piece of I-73 approved, the people of South Carolina are much closer
to expanding the region’s economy, increasing tourism and easing congestion,”
said Secretary Peters.
Federal officials signed the record of decision (ROD), completing an
environmental review process that started 39 months ago for this project.
Despite accommodating more than 25 state, local and federal regulatory agencies,
including the state Departments of Transportation in both North and South
Carolina, the time needed for the project’s environmental review was faster than
the 50-60 months typically needed.
“We can cut red tape without cutting corners to move important transportation
projects forward and still safeguard our natural resources,” said Federal
Highway Administrator Thomas J. Madison.
Federal Highway Administrator Thomas J. Madison will honor members of the
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and South Carolina Department of
Transportation (SCDOT) project team with a special award next month in
Washington, D.C., for their work in streamlining this project.
Coupled with approval of the ROD for the southern segment, which was signed on
Feb. 8, 2008, today’s ROD signing completed the FHWA’s environmental actions on
the I-73 corridor from Hamlet, N.C., to the Grand Strand/Myrtle Beach area. The
SCDOT is now cleared to begin right-of-way acquisition and to engage in public
and private financing options which can bring the project to completion more
quickly.
South Carolina was the first state to move forward under the FHWA’s Interstate
System Construction Toll Pilot Program, which gives the state authority for
tolling and allows other states to expand 1-73. When completed, the corridor
will be a vital link tying the Grand Strand to states to the north, expanding
the region’s economy, increasing tourism and easing congestion.
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