Congressman Henry Brown has announced that Grand Strand projects would be authorized to receive $21 million under H.R. 3550, �The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users� (TEA-LU), approved by the House Transportation Committee Wednesday.

In particular, South Carolina would be authorized to receive $10 million for I-73, $5 million for Carolina Bays Parkway Phase 2, and $5 million for the 701 Connector. Combined with $1 million for the Myrtle Beach Intermodal Center under the FTA�s Transit Authorization, this would authorize $21 million for Grand Strand projects.

In addition, Rep. John Spratt has secured an additional $10 million in funding for I-73.

�I-73 has been � and will continue to be � my top priority. I�m pleased to see our efforts rewarded in such a positive manner,� said Rep. Brown in a media statement, in which he extended his congratulations to members of the South Carolina I-73 Association for their diligence on the project. �Other states also authorized funds for I-73, and we will continue to work together with committee leadership to get I-73 designated as a project of regional and national significance.�

The designation of I-73 as a project of regional and national significance would put it among the top priorities to receive further funding.

�We are indebted to Congressman Brown for the years of work it has taken to get us these dollars. He told us that one way or another, he would secure money for these important projects, and he has, with the help of Rep. Spratt,� commented Brad Dean, chamber president & CEO. �It is a great day for Horry County and the Pee Dee!�

The $21 million is part of the $275 billion bill that would authorize federal funding for the nation�s highway and transit programs. This legislation is tentatively scheduled to be considered by the full House of Representatives late next week.

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has stood for 63 years as the unified voice of the Grand Strand�s business community. The chamber serves Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Little River, Atlantic Beach, Garden City Beach, Loris, Conway, Aynor, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach, and Pawleys Island.

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Media Contact: Holley Aufdemorte +1 843-916-7218 aufdemh@mbchamber.org