HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Horry County Council voted down two big topics of conversation Tuesday — one related to banning development off the proposed Interstate 73 route and one that would have brought about 140 homes to McDowell Shortcut Road.
Horry County leaders in July were looking to ban development along the I-73 proposed route but recently changed their minds. On Tuesday, they voted in a third and final reading of an ordinance to allow development until federal and state funding is secured.
Councilman Al Allen said the proposed I-73 corridor has been in the talks for 35 years. It would cost about $2 billion and cross parts of Marlboro and Dillon counties.
Allen, who represents the area along the route, said he wants landowners to be able to develop their land since no funding has been secured yet. However, with I-73 being part of the county’s RIDE IV transportation program, there is one thing residents need to know.
“If you’ve been told, or if you’re considering to vote against RIDE IV because of the interstate connector or possibly I-73, that is not going to change that folks,” Allen said. “The state of South Carolina may and probably will continue to pursue that route.”